It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Alain De BottonRead
Happiness is impossible for longer than 15 minutes. We are the descendants of creatures who, above all else, worried.
Interpretation
Happiness is fleeting, as our natural tendency is to worry.
In this quote, Alain De Botton reflects on the transient nature of happiness, suggesting that it can rarely be sustained for long periods, particularly because humans are predisposed to worry. This speaks to the underlying anxiety and concerns that often overshadow moments of joy, highlighting a fundamental aspect of human psychology where happiness is often fleeting and worries take precedence.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about embracing lifeβs brief moments of joy.
It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Taking architecture seriously therefore makes some singular and strenuous demands upon us...It means conceding that we are inconveniently vulnerable to the colour of our wallpaper and that our sense of purpose may be derailed by an unfortunate bedspread
The more closely we analyze what we consider 'sexy,' the more clearly we will understand that eroticism is the feeling of excitement we experience at finding another human being who shares our values and our sense of the meaning of existence.
Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
The challenge of modern relationships: how to prove more interesting than the other's smartphone.
It is the most ambitious and driven among us who are the most sorely in need of having our reckless hopes dampened through immersive dousings in the darkness which religions have explored. This is a particular priority for secular Americans, perhaps the most anxious and disappointed people on earth, for their nation infuses them with the most extreme hopes about what they may be able to achieve in their working lives and relationships.
I'd like to live as a poor man with lots of money.
Wherever my travels may lead, paradise is where I am.
Happiness is the feeling that power increases - that resistance is being overcome.
Things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us.
These days, in our materialistic culture, many people are led to believe that money is the ultimate source of happiness. Consequently, when they donβt have enough of it they feel let down. Therefore, it is important to let people know that they have the source of contentment and happiness within themselves, and that it is related to nurturing our natural inner values.
Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
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