The art of living does not consist in preserving and clinging to a particular mode of happiness, but in allowing happiness to change its form without being disappointed by the change; happiness, like a child, must be allowed to grow up.
Interpretation
True happiness evolves and should be embraced as it changes rather than clung to in a static form.
This quote emphasizes that the essence of living well involves an acceptance of the dynamic nature of happiness. Instead of striving to hold onto a singular idea or experience of happiness, we should allow it to transform and grow. Just as a child develops and changes over time, so too should our understanding and experience of happiness evolve, allowing us to find joy in its various forms without disappointment.
In practice
This quote can be shared at a wellness seminar to highlight the importance of emotional flexibility.
Many people think that if they were only in some other place, or had some other job, they would be happy. Well, that is doubtful. So get as much happiness out of what you are doing as you can and don't put off being happy until some future date.
A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.
The times in my life when I have been most happy haven't been the times when I have had the most money or the most freedom or the most anything, but rather when I've been in love or in community or right with people.
Happiness is a great power of holiness. Thus, kind words, by their power of producing happiness, have also a power of producing holiness, and so of winning men to God.
I've gone through stages where I hate my body so much that I won't even wear shorts and a bra in my house because if I pass a mirror, that's the end of my day.
I am truly at my happiest not when I am writing an aria for an actor or making a grand political or social point. I am at my happiest when I've figured out a fun way for somebody to slip on a banana peel.
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