If you recall the happiest moments in your life, they are all from when you were doing something for somebody else.
Interpretation
True happiness often comes from acts of kindness towards others.
This quote by Desmond Tutu highlights the idea that the most joyful moments in our lives are frequently associated with selfless actions. When we dedicate our time and efforts to help others, we cultivate a sense of fulfillment and connection, reinforcing the importance of community and altruism in our personal happiness.
In practice
During a speech about community service, one could use this quote to emphasize the joy of giving back.
The fossil reserves that have already been discovered exceed what can ever be safely used. Yet companies spend half a trillion dollars each year searching for more fuel. They should redirect this money toward developing clean energy solutions
As much as the world has an instinct for evil and is a breeding ground for genocide, holocaust, slavery, racism, war, oppression, and injustice, the world has an even greateer instinct for goodness, rebirth, mercy, beauty, truth, freedom and love.
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
Religion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone's back.
Gaza is going to test who believes in the worth of human beings.
Unnatural to expect that learning to be happy should be any easier than, say, learning to play the violin or require any less practice.
There are other ways of finding satisfaction, recipes for human happiness, enjoyment, dignified and meaningful, gratifying life, than increased consumption that increases production.
A journal, is a book that shall contain a record of all your joy, your ecstasy, what you are grateful for.
If only we'd stop trying to be happy we'd have a pretty good time.
Happiness isn't a fortune in a cookie. It's deeper, wider, funnier, and more transporting than that.
Happiness happens when you fit with your life, when you fit so harmoniously that whatsoever you are doing is your joy. Then suddenly you will come to know: meditation follows you. If you love the work that you are doing, if you love the way you are living, then you are meditative.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.