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Happiness can be defined, in part at least, as the fruit of the desire and ability to sacrifice what we want now for what we want eventually.
Stephen Covey
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Happiness is achieved by sacrificing immediate desires for long-term goals.

This quote by Stephen Covey suggests that true happiness stems from the willingness to postpone immediate gratification in favor of more meaningful and fulfilling long-term achievements. It highlights the importance of sacrifice and discipline in the pursuit of lasting joy, indicating that happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a product of our choices and actions over time.

Themes

HappinessSacrificeDesireLong-TermGratification

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech on personal growth, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of making sacrifices.

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If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
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Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
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Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
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