Eminence without merit earns deference without esteem.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness is based on reality rather than deception or false appearances.
This quote emphasizes the distinction between fleeting pleasure, which can often be nurtured by illusions and misconceptions, and genuine happiness, which is grounded in truth and authenticity. While pleasure may provide temporary satisfaction through misleading perceptions, lasting happiness arises from a clear and honest understanding of oneself and the world.
Themes
HappinessTruthPleasureIllusionAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared in a personal development seminar to highlight the importance of honesty in achieving happiness.
More from Nicolas Chamfort
All quotes βNature never said to me: Do not be poor; still less did she say: Be rich; her cry to me was always: Be independent.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
It is with happiness as with watches: the less complicated, the less easily deranged.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
There are more fools than wise men, and even in a wise man there is more folly than wisdom.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
In living and in seeing other men, the heart must break or become as bronze.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
And so I leave this world, where the heart must either break or turn to lead (suicide note)
Nicolas ChamfortRead
Similar quotes
Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.
Albert SchweitzerRead
Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.
SophoclesRead
To know nothing is the happiest life.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
unbroken happiness is a bore: it should have ups and downs.
MoliereRead
I crown thee king of intimate delights, _x000D_ Fire-side enjoyments, home-born happiness, _x000D_ And all the comforts that the lowly roof _x000D_ Of undisturb'd retirement, and the hours _x000D_ Of long uninterrupted ev'ning, know.
William CowperRead
When happiness is actually in possession, the thought of evil can no more acquire the feeling of reality than the thought of good can gain reality when melancholy rules. To the man actively happy, from whatever cause, evil simply cannot then and there be believed in.
William JamesRead