We do not ignore maturity. Maturity consists in not losing the past while fully living in the present with a prudent awareness of the possibilities of the future.
Thomas TraherneRead
More company increases happiness, but does not lighten or diminish misery.
Interpretation
While being around others may enhance joy, it does not reduce suffering.
This quote suggests that social connections can enhance our feelings of happiness and joy, but they do not have the power to alleviate our pain or sorrows. It highlights the idea that while companionship can bring joy, it does not replace the challenges or difficulties we face in life.
In practice
During a speech about the value of friendship, one might use this quote.
We do not ignore maturity. Maturity consists in not losing the past while fully living in the present with a prudent awareness of the possibilities of the future.
Happiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.
To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious.
You never know yourself till you know more than your body.
Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world, than I when I was a child.
The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.
One filled with joy preaches without preaching.
Joy is the sweet voice, joy the luminous cloud. We in ourselves rejoice! And thence flows all that charms or ear or sight, all melodies the echoes of that voice, all colours a suffusion from that light.
To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.
Nothing prevents happiness like the memory of happiness.
Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.
Money doesn't buy happiness. Some people say it's a heck of a down payment, though.
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