What is Happiness?
Even though it’s a basic human emotion, the subject of happiness can be a tough nut to crack. Merriam-Webster defines happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment.” That’s a short definition that might leave us with more questions than answers. Can happiness quotes give us a better idea?
READ MORE: Thought-Provoking Quotes to Inspire You
What exactly is happiness? How do we find it? Is happiness found within? Is happiness found with others? There are enough questions out there to make us realize happiness might be harder to pinpoint than we thought.
One way we can attempt to understand happiness is by looking at what others have to say about it. Poets, priests, monks and musicians throughout history have tried to explain happiness. Here are some uplifting quotes about happiness to help you understand what happiness is and maybe even find it. May they help you feel your own sense of happiness, whatever that means for you.
Quotes on the Pursuit of Happiness
The U.S. Declaration of Independence states that we have a right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These four quotes dig deeper into what finding happiness actually means.
- “To increase your happiness… randomly wish for somebody else to be happy.” —Chade-Meng Tan, author and philanthropist
- “Happiness isn’t on the road to anything…happiness is the road.” —Bob Dylan, quoting his grandmother
- “Happiness often sneaks through a door you don’t know you left open!” —Susan J. Decuir, author
- “Of course, it’s not possible to experience constant euphoria, but if you’re grateful you can find happiness in everything.” —Pharrell Williams, singer
READ MORE: 10 Hawaiian Sayings for a Happier Life
Quotes About Happiness from Within
Many poets and philosophers have long told us happiness can only be found within us. Do you agree? Here are four quotes about finding happiness within to help you decide for yourself.
- “Happiness is a product of attitude and thought. It comes from you, not to you.” —Richard Daly, author
- “Happiness for me is peace of mind. Being at peace with myself, at peace with God, at peace with my family.” —Mary J. Blige, singer
- “Happiness floats. It doesn’t need you to hold it down. It doesn’t need anything.” —Naomi Shihab Nye, poet
- “Happiness is knowing there is a God…and being on speaking terms with him.” —Nancy M. Nichols, teacher
Short Happiness Quotes
Sometimes we don’t need a long explanation of what happiness means. We just need a short happiness quote to boost our spirits. Here are four happiness quotes you can easily memorize to keep you inspired throughout the week.
- “It is impossible to be both selfish and happy.” —Joyce Meyer, author and teacher
- “The constant happiness is curiosity.” —Alice Munro, Nobel Prize-winning author
- “Happiness happens when we give it away.” —Max Lucado, author
- “Every single breath I take is happiness.” —Gary Taxali, illustrator
READ MORE: 10 Inspirational Quotes on Unity and Diversity
Happy Quotes for Friday
For many people, Friday and happiness are synonymous. Friday is a time of anticipation for the weekend and appreciation for the chance to rest. Aren’t we constantly showing gratitude to God for Fridays? TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday. Here are four happy quotes for your Friday. Write some at the top of your daily planner or put them at your desk where you can see them.
- “When we work for a bigger purpose, we find an endless supply of happiness at work.” —Jon Gordon, motivational speaker and author
- “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” —Jackson Brown, Jr., author
- “Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.” —Steve Maraboli, author
- “Happiness is a byproduct of an effort to make someone else happy.” —Gretta Brooker Palmer, author
READ MORE ABOUT FINDING HAPPINESS:
