Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
Many people think excitement is happiness.... But when you are excited you are not peaceful. True happiness is based on peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness comes from a sense of inner peace rather than fleeting excitement.
This quote by Nhat Hanh suggests that many people confuse excitement with true happiness. While excitement may bring temporary joy, it does not provide the sustained peace that characterizes genuine happiness. Instead, true happiness is rooted in a calm and peaceful state of mind, indicating that a serene inner life is essential for lasting fulfillment.
Themes
HappinessPeaceExcimentInner PeaceSerenity
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about finding true contentment in life.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes βI have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
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I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
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Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
Nhat HanhRead
The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat HanhRead
Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
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One could be happy not only without love, but despite it.
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