Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.
Interpretation
True happiness comes from our inner state and choices, not external circumstances.
Thomas Jefferson's quote emphasizes that our happiness is not determined by the external conditions we find ourselves in, but rather by our internal values and choices. A clear conscience, good health, meaningful work, and the freedom to seek just pursuits are key components that contribute to a fulfilling and happy life.
In practice
During a motivational speech about the importance of mental health.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
We must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
Perhaps my best years are gone. When there was a chance of happiness. But I wouldn't want them back. Not with the fire in me now. No, I wouldn't want them back.
I am totally free to choose thoughts of joy. It is my Divine right to do so.
If I am happy in spite of my deprivations, if my happiness is so deep that it is a faith, so thoughtful that it becomes a philosophy of life. If, in short, I am an optimist, my testimony to the creed of optimism is worth hearing.
Rest, nature, books, music...such is my idea of happiness.
Happiness is the feeling that power increases - that resistance is being overcome.
Happiness only real when shared.
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