It is the pursuit of happiness that thwarts happiness.
Viktor E. FranklRead
What is the good of life if its chief element, and that which must always be its chief element, is odious? No, the only true economy is to arrange so that your daily labor shall be itself a joy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life should be enjoyable and fulfilling rather than burdensome.
Edward Carpenter emphasizes the importance of finding joy in one's daily activities. He argues that if life’s fundamental aspect is unpleasant, then it loses its value. True fulfillment comes from arranging our lives in such a way that our work and daily labor bring us happiness rather than dread.
Themes
JoyHappinessWorkLifeLabor
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about work-life balance, you might say, 'What is the good of life if its chief element is odious?' to emphasize the importance of finding joy in daily tasks.
Similar quotes
I don’t know if you’ve ever felt like that. That you wanted to sleep for a thousand years. Or just not exist. Or just not be aware that you do exist. Or something like that. I think wanting that is very morbid, but I want it when I get like this. That’s why I’m trying not to think. I just want it all to stop spinning.
Stephen ChboskyRead
Work lovingly done is the secret of all order and all happiness.
Pierre-Auguste RenoirRead
Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower, and draws all good things toward you.
Maharishi Mahesh YogiRead
When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.
John LennonRead
Instead of looking for the success in your life, look for the thing that is going to bring you the greatest joy.
Oprah WinfreyRead