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Quotes about happiness

248 quotes from 159 people

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A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world.
John Locke1632–1704Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1693), Sec. 1
There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive.
Jack London1876–1916The Call of the Wild (1903), Chapter IIIIn context
- Life & Death
Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity.
José Martí1853–1895Martí: Thoughts/Pensamientos (1994)
Happiness is so hard to define and foolish to define. Am I acting? That’s the worst thing you can ask yourself. You can be happy suddenly. It can spring on you, not when you reach a plateau. You can be happy going backward or going down. You can be happy at the loss of something.
Steve Martinborn 1945
Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.
W. Somerset Maugham1874–1965The Razor’s Edge (1943)
- Change
It is an illusion that youth is happy, an illusion of those who have lost it; but the young know they are wretched, for they are full of the truthless ideals which have been instilled into them, and each time they come in contact with the real they are bruised and wounded.
W. Somerset Maugham1874–1965Of Human Bondage (1915), Chapter XXIXIn context
- Youth
The soul may sleep and the body still be happy, but only in youth.
MMMignon McLaughlin1913–1983The Complete Neurotic’s Notebook (1981)
- Youth
Ah, happiness courts the light, so we deem the world is gay, but misery hides aloof, so we deem that misery there is none.
Herman Melville1819–1891Bartleby, the Scrivener (1853)
Those only are happy (I thought) who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness.
John Stuart Mill1806–1873Autobiography (1873), Ch. 5: A Crisis in My Mental History. One Stage Onward. (p. 142)
We were very tired, we were very merry⁠—
We had gone back and forth all night on the ferry.
Edna St. Vincent Millay1892–1950Recuerdo (1919)In context
Isn’t it good just to be alive on a day like this? I pity the people who aren’t born yet for missing it. They may have good days, of course, but they can never have this one.
L. M. Montgomery1874–1942Anne of Green Gables (1908), Chapter XVIn context
- Life & Death
I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
L. M. Montgomery1874–1942Anne of Green Gables (1908), Chapter XVIIn context
- Nature
Happiness is the most insidious prison of all.
Alan Mooreborn 1953V for Vendetta (1989)
There are three ingredients in the good life: learning, earning and yearning.
Christopher Morley1890–1957
Cherish all your happy moments: they make a fine cushion for old age.
Christopher Morley1890–1957
- Age