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.
When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won.
hoever wishes to win in this game must have patience and money, since the values are so little constant and the rumors so little founded on truth Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.
Gratitude takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder.
I never said I wanted a 'happy' life but an interesting one. From separation and loss, I have learned a lot. I have become strong and resilient, as is the case of almost every human being exposed to life and to the world. We don't even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward.
The unexpected action of deep listening can create a space of transformation capable of shattering complacency and despair.
Rise above oneself and grasp the world.
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