Amen to this Values.com quote of the day, although I like to think--from my maybe limited experience--that real happiness from integrity, a less 'carefree' happiness but more whole and abiding, rather than the plasticky bubbliness or shallow exuberance so many seem to think of as happiness in our culture today, is sort of an inevitable consequence of a life so dedicated:
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882);
Philosopher, Poet, Author, Essayist
2 comments:
I must admit that when I first read it, I thought, "Wait a minute, what about 'man is that he might have joy,' and life is not jut to be endured, but enjoyed?'" Upon further review (sounds like a football official reviewing a play) I agree with you. I think happiness follows natural law, and when we live as Emerson suggests, happiness will naturally follow.
Absolutely! However, it's difficult to explain to teenagers/young adults that chasing life's pleasures is not the road to happiness, and that those values described by Emerson, although they often present challenges and hardship, are what bring true, enduring joy and happiness. Dumb kids . . . .
Post a Comment