Courage consists not in blindly overlooking danger, but in seeing it, and conquering it.
Jean PaulRead
The happiness of life consists, like the day, not in single flashes (of light), but in one continuous mild serenity. The most beautiful period of the heart's existence is in this calm equable light, even although it be only moonshine or twilight. Now the mind alone can obtain for us this heavenly cheerfulness and peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness comes from a steady and peaceful existence rather than fleeting moments of joy.
In this quote, Jean Paul emphasizes that the essence of happiness lies not in exhilarating or intense moments, but in a constant, serene state of being. Just as daylight is composed of continuous light rather than sporadic bursts, true contentment is found in a calm and stable inner state that provides a sense of peace, akin to the soft light of moonshine or twilight. The mind plays a crucial role in cultivating this inner joy and tranquility.
Themes
HappinessSerenityPeaceContentmentMind
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health, you might quote this to highlight the importance of inner peace for overall happiness.
More from Jean Paul
All quotes →Man's feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and of farewell.
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A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes anothers.
Jean PaulRead
There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go.
Jean PaulRead
If self-knowledge is the road to virtue, so is virtue still more the road to self-knowledge.
Jean PaulRead
I would rather dwell in the dim fog of superstition than in air rarefied to nothing by the air-pump of unbelief-in which the panting breast expires, vainly and convulsively gasping for breath.
Jean PaulRead
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