My chief study all my life has been to lighten misfortunes and multiply pleasures, as far as human nature can.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the speaker has dedicated their life to alleviating suffering and enhancing joy for humanity.
Mary Wortley Montagu reflects on her life's work and purpose, emphasizing her commitment to reducing the hardships faced by individuals while simultaneously increasing their happiness. This dual focus on both minimizing distress and maximizing joy illustrates a profound understanding of human nature and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
In practice
In a motivational speech about the importance of positivity, this quote can inspire others to focus on spreading joy.
I regard almost all quarrels of princes on the same footing, and I see nothing that marks man's unreason so positively as war. Indeed, what folly to kill one another for interests often imaginary, and always for the pleasure of persons who do not think themselves even obliged to those who sacrifice themselves for them!
Whoever will cultivate their own mind will find full employment. Every virtue does not only require great care in the planting, but as much daily solicitude in cherishing as exotic fruits and flowers; the vices and passions (which I am afraid are the natural product of the soil) demand perpetual weeding. Add to this the search after knowledge. . . and the longest life is too short.
There is no remedy so easy as books, which if they do not give cheerfulness, at least restore quiet to the most troubled mind.
Strictly speaking, there is but one real evil: I mean acute pain. All other complaints are so considerably diminished by time that it is plain the grief is owing to our passion, since the sensation of it vanishes when that is over.
I remember that I'm invisible and walk softly so as not awake the sleeping ones. Sometimes it is best not to awaken them; there are few things in the world as dangerous as sleepwalkers.
I think for it to be hip to be idealistic is weird, you know? I mean, even all the best rebels to me, had some sense of hope in them.
A lie may fool someone else, but it tells you the truth: you're weak.
The lucky person passes for a genius.
There is nothing so satisfying as to be shot at without effect.
To put away one's own original thoughts in order to take up a book is a sin against the Holy Ghost.
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