Eminence without merit earns deference without esteem.
Nicolas ChamfortRead
Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth.
Interpretation
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.
In practice
This quote could be shared in a personal development seminar to highlight the importance of honesty in achieving happiness.
Eminence without merit earns deference without esteem.
Nature never said to me: Do not be poor; still less did she say: Be rich; her cry to me was always: Be independent.
It is with happiness as with watches: the less complicated, the less easily deranged.
There are more fools than wise men, and even in a wise man there is more folly than wisdom.
In living and in seeing other men, the heart must break or become as bronze.
And so I leave this world, where the heart must either break or turn to lead (suicide note)
Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.
Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.
To know nothing is the happiest life.
unbroken happiness is a bore: it should have ups and downs.
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.
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.
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