The deepest quality of a work of art will always be the quality of the mind of the producer...No good novel will ever proceed from a superficial mind.
Henry JamesRead
A swift carriage, of a dark night, rattling with four horses over roads that one can’t see--that’s my idea of happiness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness can be found in the thrill of adventure and the unknown.
Henry James suggests that true happiness lies in the excitement and unpredictability of life's journey. The imagery of a swift carriage racing through the darkness evokes a sense of freedom and exhilaration, indicating that joy can often be found in embracing the unknown and the adventures that life presents.
Themes
HappinessAdventureThrillFreedomUnknown
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about finding joy in life's unpredictability.
More from Henry James
All quotes →What is character but the determination of incident? What is incident but the illustration of character?
Henry JamesRead
Never say you know the last word about any human heart.
Henry JamesRead
I adore adverbs; they are the only qualifications I really much respect.
Henry JamesRead
We care what happens to people only in proportion as we know what people are.
Henry JamesRead
Of course what he most intensely dreams of is being taken out on walks, and the more you are able to indulge him the more will he adore you and the more all the latent beauty of his nature will come out.
Henry JamesRead
Similar quotes
There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy.
Ralph BlumRead
True happiness is to rejoice in the truth, for to rejoice in the truth is to rejoice in You, O God, who are the truth... Those who think that there is another kind of happiness look for joy elsewhere, but theirs is not true joy.
Saint AugustineRead
Laughter is wine for the soul - laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness - the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living.
Sean O'CaseyRead
Left to my own devices, would I trade this for firm thighs, fewer wrinkles, a better memory? On some days. That's why it's such a blessing I'm not left to my own devices. Because the truth is I have amazing friends and a deep faith in God, to whom I can turn. I have a cool kid, a sweet boyfriend, darling pets. I've learned to pay attention to life, and to listen. I'd give up all this for a flatter belly? Are you crazy?
Anne LamottRead
I want to know where joy lives. I'd interview scientists, religious leaders and heads of state. I'd want to find out exactly what makes people happy. I'd want to look into the biology, the chemistry of the human brain.
Goldie HawnRead
May I a small house and large garden have; And a few friends, And many books, both true.
Abraham CowleyRead