The indefatigable pursuit of an unattainable perfection -even though nothing more than the pounding of an old piano -is what alone gives a meaning to our life on this unavailing star.
Logan Pearsall SmithRead
This nice and subtle happiness of reading, this joy not chilled by age, this polite and unpunished vice, this selfish, serene life-long intoxication.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reading brings a timeless joy that is both indulgent and fulfilling.
In this quote, Logan Pearsall Smith eloquently describes the profound happiness derived from reading. He emphasizes how this joy remains unaffected by the passage of time and is perceived as a harmless pleasure, presenting reading as an enriching and blissful escape that can be cherished throughout one's life.
Themes
HappinessReadingJoyIntoxicationLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of literature in education.
More from Logan Pearsall Smith
All quotes βSimilar quotes
Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.
Albert SchweitzerRead
Happiness has nothing to do with what you have or don't have. Happiness is related to what you are. However many things you may collect, perhaps they may increase your worries, your troubles, but happiness will not increase because of them. Certainly unhappiness will increase with them, but they have no relation to an increase in your happiness.
RajneeshRead
Happiness doesn't always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.
Dalai LamaRead
The happiest ones are those who have a character which would prefer their services to be unknown to all generations.
Mustafa Kemal AtaturkRead
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.
Henri NouwenRead
I would challenge anybody in their darkest moment to write what they're grateful for, even stupid little things like the green grass that made them feel good, the friendly conversation they had with somebody on an alevator. You start to realize how rich you are.
Jim CarreyRead