When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The master values his child's happiness above all else.
This quote emphasizes the importance of happiness in life, particularly from a parent's perspective. The master expresses a deep desire for his child's future to be filled with joy, indicating that the ultimate goal in life should be to find satisfaction and fulfillment rather than just success or achievement.
Themes
HappinessParentingJoyLife GoalsFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
During a parenting workshop, to inspire parents to prioritize their children's happiness.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes βPerfect love casts out fear. Where there is love there are no demands, no expectations, no dependency. I do not demand that you make me happy; my happiness does not lie in you. If you were to leave me, I will not feel sorry for myself; I enjoy your company immensely, but I do not cling.
Anthony De MelloRead
The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
Anthony De MelloRead
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
Those who make no mistakes are making the biggest mistakes of all - they are attempting nothing new.
Anthony De MelloRead
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Happiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.
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In the dark room a cloud of yellow dust flew from beneath the tool like a scatter of sparks from under the hooves of a galloping horse. The twin wheels turned and hummed. Binet was smiling, his chin down, his nostrils distended. He seemed lost in the kind of happiness which, as a rule, accompanies only those mediocre occupations that tickle the intelligence with easy difficulties, and satisfy it with a sense of achievement beyond which there is nothing left for dreams to feed on.
Gustave FlaubertRead