Virtue Trumps Happiness

     In Mill's book Utilitarianism, he responds to the objection that happiness cannot be the rational aim of human life by stating "happiness is not the rational end and purpose of human life and action; virtue is a better end or goal than happiness" (15). Essentially, Mill asserts that acquiring morally desirable traits, such honesty and courage, will in turn promote happiness to higher degree than less favorable traits. By accepting this fact, then it can also be stated that virtue is a means to obtain happiness. Personally, I tend to agree with Mill's notion that by leading a virtuous life, happiness is sure to follow. Alternatively, do you disagree with this statement and believe that a same level of happiness can be obtained through a non-virtuous lifestyle, such as a corrupt politician or scam artist?
     Moreover, do you believe that true happiness can ever be achieved, is such a goal irrational to aim for, and if not what would you say is the goal of human existence? When considering Mill's felicific calculus, I tend to agree with his notion that while maximizing happiness is important, completely eliminating pain would not be ideal. Ultimately, I find that the pain and adversity we suffer through allows us to experience and appreciate the finer things in life.
     Also, when considering this topic, I could not help but see the connection between Mill's idea of leading a virtuous life as a means to acquiring happiness and the Christian notion that leading a faithful lifestyle will ultimately lead to happiness in the form of going to heaven. It also seems to hold true inversely, such as when someone leads a sinful life they will be damned to a life of eternal unhappiness.  Personally, I do not have much experience with the Christian faith so if you anyone could further expand upon this notion, or disagree with this connection, I would love to hear it.