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 →Perfect 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
Similar quotes
There are days when simply seeing feels like happiness itself....You feel so rich, the elation seems almost excessive and you want to share it
Robert DoisneauRead
It is impossible for a man to be made happy by putting him in a happy place, unless he be first in a happy state.
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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.
Thomas TraherneRead
Obviously, circumstances alone do not make us happy or unhappy. It is the way we react to circumstances that determines our feelings. Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is within you. That is where the kingdom of hell is, too.
Dale CarnegieRead
I have learnt that gardens are like happiness: you cannot pursue them as an absolute thing or moment.
Monty DonRead
When we determine to dwell on the good and excellent things in life, we will be so full of those things that they will tend to swallow our problems.
Richard J. FosterRead