The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
Thomas CarlyleRead
But the whim we have of happiness is somewhat thus. By certain valuations, and averages, of our own striking, we come upon some sort of average terrestrial lot; this we fancy belongs to us by nature, and of indefeasible rights. It is simple payment of our wages, of our deserts; requires neither thanks nor complaint. Foolish soul! What act of legislature was there that thou shouldst be happy? A little while ago thou hadst no right to be at all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness is not a given right; it is a perception shaped by our own judgments and societal norms.
In this quote, Thomas Carlyle reflects on the concept of happiness as a subjective state rather than an inherent right. He suggests that our understanding of happiness is constructed through societal averages and personal evaluations, leading us to mistakenly believe that we possess an unassailable entitlement to it. Carlyle challenges the notion that happiness is merited or legislated, emphasizing that it is not guaranteed and requires deeper contemplation on the true nature of existence.
Themes
HappinessPerceptionEntitlementSubjectivitySociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about the nature of happiness.
More from Thomas Carlyle
All quotes →Thirty millions, mostly fools.
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There is a great discovery still to be made in literature, that of paying literary men by the quantity they do not write.
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For the superior morality, of which we hear so much, we too would desire to be thankful: at the same time, it were but blindness to deny that this superior morality is properly rather an inferior criminality, produced not by greater love of Virtue, but by greater perfection of Police; and of that far subtler and stronger Police, called Public Opinion.
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Enjoying things which are pleasant; that is not the evil; it is the reducing of our moral self to slavery by them that is.
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Clean undeniable right, clear undeniable might: either of these once ascertained puts an end to battle. All battle is a confused experiment to ascertain one and both of these.
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