Famous quotes
Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,158,269 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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Happiness
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“Joy to the world All the boys and girls, now, Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea Joy to you and me”
Hoyt Axton (1938–1999) said by 1999 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Joy from truth's own glass of fire Sweetly on the searcher smiles; Lest on virtue's steeps he tire, Joy the tedious path beguiles. High on faith's bright hill before us, See her banner proudly wave! Joy, too, swells the angels' chorus,— Bursts the bondage of the grave!”
Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) said by 1805 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The whole of time would not be long enough to tell you of my joy in being married to you. Joy is not measured just by lovely things: the birth of babies, the song of birds heard together, the fun of holidays — the lyrical-love of lying with you. Joy is to be found, too, in the relief after pain shared, in the good news following bad, in the knowledge of greater closeness after disaster.”
Valerie Hobson (1917–1998) first seen 1964 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: In her 10th Wedding Anniversary letter to her husband John Profumo, written in 1964, the year after the scandal in which his lying to the House of Commons and adultery was revealed.
“To be alive is to feel the joy of being./ In spite of the sorrows and joys of life/ The primary joy is that of being./ That of my existence. / That I exist is the most fundamental experience is joy for me!/ I, who do not deserve to, really exist./ I, who need not, do exist!/ I, who may not, do exist.”
Kuruvilla Pandikattu (born 1957) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The joy that is everywhere/ Is the true joy of being/ The joy that is life itself!”
Kuruvilla Pandikattu (born 1957) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To find the joy of living/ Is to experience the joy of dying/ Where the pain of parting/ Lads to still deeper joy of becoming.”
Kuruvilla Pandikattu (born 1957) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We all need joy, and we can all receive joy in only one way, by adding to the joy of others.”
Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999) said by 1999 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I would like to stress that the obligation [of being Queen] has always been driven by joy. The joy is rooted in the warmth that has met me and my family everywhere through every year, in celebration and joy as in sorrow, in the so-called "big days", as well as in everyday life.”
Margrethe II of Denmark (born 1940) first seen 2012 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Ruby Jubilee speech, (15 January 2012)
“The bitterness of joy lies in the knowledge that it cannot last. Nor should joy last beyond a certain season, for, after that season, even joy would become merely habit.”
Tanith Lee (1947–2015) said by 2015 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Love leads to joy...The joy comes from love. To combat this thing, to combat the oil industry’s fear of losing profit, I have got to help to bring joy of the community’s love of everything that they are.”
Colette Pichon Battle wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Live. Breathe. It is not fear that we need to live by, but joy, hope. Inside you, in your ocean, maybe it seems barren; maybe it feels as if there is no hope, no kindness, no reason for happiness. But deep within you, undeniably, something rumbles, cries out, wants to be born. Allow the joy to come forward. Allow the hope to exist.”
Prem Rawat (born 1957) first seen 1990 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Madrid, Spain September 1990
“There may be Peace without Joy, and Joy without Peace, but the two combined make Happiness.”
John Buchan (1875–1940) first seen 1940 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Pilgrim's Way (1940), p. 117
“Joy, rather than happiness, is the goal of life, for joy is the emotion which accompanies our fulfilling our natures as human beings. It is based on the experience of one's identity as a being of worth and dignity, who is able to affirm his being, if need be, against all other beings and the whole inorganic world.”
Rollo May (1909–1994) said by 1994 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In actuality, we don’t look for smiles in pictures of bliss, but rather, for the happiness in life itself. Painters know this, but this is precisely what they cannot depict. That’s why they substitute the joy of seeing for the joy of life.”
Orhan Pamuk (born 1952) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is with great joy that I inform you that God has blessed me and my husband with a baby girl. We have great praise for God […] we have joy and happiness! Love and blessings to you all!(N’ibyishimo byinshi, ndabamenyesha ko Imana yaduhaye umugisha, njye n’umugabo wanjye iduha umwana w’umukobwa.Dufite ishimwe rikomeye ku Mana […] dufite ibyishimo n’umunezero!Urukundo n’imigisha kuri mwese!)”
Miss Shanel (born 1985) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: ["https://ar.umuseke.rw/france-miss-channel-yibarutse-umukobwa.hmtl"] (04 September 2015)
“We are here to build the common good, to build an inclusive society and bring the joy of life in Christ, everywhere, to every man and woman. As believers in the Resurrection, as men and women of hope, we are bearers of a positive vision, of hope, joy and happiness.”
Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzález (born 1959) first seen 2020 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Apostolic Prefect Figaredo: "The poor and the little ones evangelize us" (22 October 2020) Fides News Agency
“Place before thyself the ideal of perfection, not that of happiness, for by doing what makes thee wiser and better, thou shalt find the peace and joy in which happiness consists.”
John Lancaster Spalding (1840–1916) said by 1916 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is a happiness beyond that which comes from the enjoyment of visible things; no good less than God will satisfy us, neither will any happiness lessthan fulfillment of God’s promise to pour His own eternal joy into our souls.”
Cécile Bruyère (1845–1909) said by 1909 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“But what is after all the happiness of mere power? There is a greater happiness possible than to be lord of heaven and earth; that is the happiness of being truly loved.”
Lafcadio Hearn (1850–1904) said by 1904 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He drinks misery, and he tastes happiness; he mows misery, and he gleaned happiness; he journeys in misery, he does but walked in happiness.”
John Donne (1572–1631) said by 1631 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If you want external happiness, it can be an elusive desire. Internal happiness needs only to be revealed. It is not elusive because it is within you. It is your treasure. If you take someone else's desire, it is stealing, but if you turn to your own, it is not. Happiness is your own treasure because it lies within you.”
Prem Rawat (born 1957) first seen 1971 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Fernbank, London, England, October 1971, as reported in Maharaji, Visions International (1998)
“I think that happiness resides somewhere between the extremes of personal, religious, and political. I think happiness resides where we understand someone else's point of view and needs. Happiness resides where we are not lost in the solitary dream.”
Roger Waters (born 1943) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: (November 2005)
“The principle of TM is simple, being is bliss in its nature, infinite happiness, mind is always moving in the direction of greater happiness. It is the experience of everyone: wherever the mind goes, it goes in the direction of greater happiness.”
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1917–2008) said by 2008 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is the pursuit of happiness that brings us happiness, and not the happiness achieved.”
Jack White (born 1975) first seen 2003 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: A message he left on his website to his fans, dated September 18th, 2003
“The principle of utility judges any action to be right by the tendency it appears to have to augment or diminish the happiness of the party whose interests are in question... if that party be the community the happiness of the community, if a particular individual, the happiness of that individual.”
Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832) first seen 1789 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Introduction (1789 edition)
“Men continually forget that Happiness is a condition of Mind, and not a disposition of circumstances, and one of the most common of errors is that of confusing happiness with the means of happiness, sacrificing the first for the attainment of the second.”
William Edward Hartpole Lecky (1838–1903) said by 1903 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Chapter 2 (1904 edition, p7.)
“We do not find happiness by being assertive. We don't find happiness by running over people because we see what we want and they are in the way of that happiness so we either abandon them or we smash them. The Scriptures don't teach us to be assertive. The Scriptures teach us—and this is remarkable—the Scriptures teach us to be submissive. This is not a popular idea.”
Rich Mullins (1955–1997) first seen 1993 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Seminar at LeSEA Broadcasting Studios in South Bend, Indiana (February 1993)
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of property were just what Aristotle did not talk about. They are the conditions of happiness; but the essence of happiness, according to Aristotle, is virtue. So the moderns decided to deal with the conditions and to let happiness take care of itself.”
Allan Bloom (1930–1992) said by 1992 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Our egos are always trying to find happiness where [it] can't be found. One can't find true, lasting happiness outside of themselves. Whatever happiness you find outside of yourself, can be taken away. And in time, it will be taken away, because the nature of everything that exists, everything you can observe, everything that is around you, is that it is impermanent.”
Adyashanti (born 1962) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Whether it be the new year or Eid, our true happiness will be when we raise the banner of the unity of God in every corner of the world, for which the Holy Prophet (sa) was commissioned in this world. Our true happiness will be when humanity begins to recognise true human values, and when hatred turns to love. May God soon grant us the means to this true happiness.”
Mirza Masroor Ahmad (born 1950) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The wise man is joyful, happy and calm, unshaken, he lives on a plane with the gods.”
Seneca the Younger (5 BC–65) said by 65 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Apart from a 20-minute stunt as Eeyore at Disneyland for “Disney Way One” and countless joyful hours of volunteering with my fellow colleagues, my job at Disney Online was mainly to make children happy by creating entertaining and educational games.”
Newton Lee wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future.”
Ida Odinga (born 1950) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Black parents must show their children how to dream, want a joyful happy successful life and how to achieve it”
Dinah Abrahamson (1954–2013) said by 2013 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I’m well, I’m happy. We sang and danced together; it was simply joyful.”
Bwiza (born 1999) first seen 2026 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Bwiza yateguje abakunzi be Alubumu nshya. Imvahonshya (September 26,2026)
“If you were to ask me, in my 18 years of priesthood, I have never been so happy. The ministry gives me joy, and please know that this joy comes from not having materials things, it comes from God.”
Raymond Mupandasekwa (born 1970) first seen 2019 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: A powerful homily by Bishop Raymond Mupandasekwa CSsR to three new priests of the Diocese of Chinhoyi (26 August 2019)
“She described herself as happy. This diagnosis did not come from any welling up of joy inside herself. It came from the observed fact, looking at herself objectively, that whenever she decided she wanted something she always got it, and what other definition of happiness could there be?”
Frederik Pohl (1919–2013) said by 2013 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Allah is the only source of happiness, joy, peace and tranquility. We can only be happy and at peace if Allah so desires. Yet if Allah so desires we can also delight in good things. But it is impossible for us to attain that by any other means than faith in Allah.”
Adnan Oktar (born 1956) first seen 2015 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Don’t Look Far For The Reason For Unhappiness: The Cause Is Hearts Turning Aside From Allah" in BLITZ (18 January 2015).
“...We are all born happy. Life gets us dirty along the way, but we can clean it up. Happiness is not exuberant or noisy, like pleasure or joy; it’s silent, tranquil, and gentle; it’s a feeling of satisfaction inside that begins with self-love..." (p194)”
Isabel Allende (born 1942) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I learned you pay for your happiness. That's why I don't expect to be happy all the time. I'd rather be surprised by one moment every so often to remind me that joy is possible, even if I have to pay for it later.”
Esmeralda Santiago (born 1948) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Conquistadora (2011)
“I am happy because I, together with my fellow soldiers, with all the soldiers, with our people, achieved victory. When our consolidated regiments stood on Red Square, each of us was filled with this happiness and joy that we lived to see victory.”
Valentin Varennikov (1923–2009) first seen 1945 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On his recollection of the Moscow Victory Parade of 1945
“People talk about joy and happiness and ask me, ‘You seem like you’re so happy all the time’—and that’s just not the case. But I do choose it. And I choose it sometimes when it’s really hard to.”
Kate Hudson (born 1979) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Happiness in it's uncut form Is the feeling that I get, you're warm, warm Happy's what I get when we do what we do Happiness, mama, is being with u Good lord.”
Prince (musician) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Those who run after happiness will never be happy. Happiness is something that has to come to the fore from within.”
Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) said by 2007 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“While experiencing happiness, we have difficulty in being conscious of it. Only when the happiness is past and we look back on it we do suddenly realize — sometimes with astonishment — how happy we had been.”
Nikos Kazantzakis (1883–1957) said by 1957 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Having been issued the false prospectus of happiness through unlimited sex, modern man concludes, when he is not happy with his life, that his sex has not been unlimited enough. If welfare does not eliminate squalor, we need more welfare; if sex does not bring happiness, we need more sex.”
Anthony Daniels (psychiatrist) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is something ridiculous and even quite indecent in an individual claiming to be happy. Still more a people or a nation making such a claim. The pursuit of happiness… is without any question the most fatuous which could possibly be undertaken. This lamentable phrase ‘’the pursuit of happiness'’ is responsible for a good part of the ills and miseries of the modern world.”
Malcolm Muggeridge (1903–1990) first seen 1965 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On BBC's Woman's Hour (5 October 1965)
“Making money from business is happiness, but making other people happy is super happiness.”
Muhammad Yunus (born 1940) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 10 April 2025, in Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025 at Hotel Intercontinental
“We would all say that deep down, all we want is to be happy. Yet we don’t have a realistic understanding of what happiness really is. Happiness is closer to the experience of acceptance and contentment than it is to pleasure.”
Noah Levine (born 1971) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Let us meditate on the love of God, who being supremely happy Himself, communicateth perfect happiness to us. Supreme happiness doth not make God forget us; shall the miserable comforts of this life make us forget Him?”
James Saurin (1759–1842) said by 1842 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Reported in Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert, Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), p. 270.