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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“Our god is the wonderful law of creation, whose amazing unity of all things shows itself if wonderful flowers, in growing trees, in new born children, in the secrets of a mother, in the growth of our people, in work and accomplishment and creation, in life itself. It is the joy we have in everything. How beautiful everything is. Do you feel the same way? I am so happy to be alive.”
Robert Ley (1890–1945) first seen 1939 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech given on March 31, 1939. Quoted in Robert Ley Die Hoheitsträger and titled "Wir oder die Juden" (May 1939), pp. 4-6.
“Seize all the joy you can that robs no other. Sleep in peace, play in jolly earnest, wag well and mean it, and finally, be happy always. The more I see of dogs the less I think of men. Whoever beats dogs loves not man.”
Arsène Houssaye (1814–1896) said by 1896 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: In: James O'Donnell Bennett (1908) When Good Fellows Get Together, p. 109
“The creation itself is full of griefs. How can one understand joy if there is no sorrow? And how can everyone be happy at the same time?”
Sarada Devi (1853–1920) said by 1920 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is not that you have to be happy-that would be asking too much-but if it gets too painful that sense of wonderment, or joy, dies, and with it the generosity so necessary to create. (1984)”
Edna O'Brien (1930–2024) said by 2024 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My heart full of gratitude, longed to go to the sanctuary of Mary Immaculate to thank her for having granted this day of consolation to us. Happy to be free, we went straightway to the church of Our Lady of Victory, to pour out our hearts in tears of joy in the presence of our heavenly Protector and Mother.”
Théodore Guérin (1798–1856) said by 1856 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The tragedy of this world is that no one is happy, whether stuck in a time of pain or of joy.”
Alan Lightman (born 1948) first seen 1993 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Einstein's Dreams (1993), p. 49
“My happy disposition completely changed after Mamma's death. I, once so full of life, became timid and retiring, sensitive to an excessive degree. One look was enough to reduce me to tears, and the only way I was content was to be left completely alone. I could not bear the company of strangers and found my joy only within the intimacy of the family.”
Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) first seen 1877 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Ch. II: Les Buissonnets, 1877–1881. As translated by Fr. John Clarke (1976), pp. 34–35.
“Never, never, never can I say I had a frustrating childhood. It was all joy. Mother used to say she never had seen such a happy child — that I awakened each morning with a smile. I don’t remember that, but I do remember that I never wanted to go to bed, to go to sleep, for fear I’d miss something.”
Mary Martin (1913–1990) said by 1990 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) said by 1950 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To the man with an ear for verbal delicacies — the man who searches painfully for the perfect word, and puts the way of saying a thing above the thing said — there is in writing the constant joy of sudden discovery, of happy accident.”
H. L. Mencken (1880–1956) said by 1956 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has not Christmas in his heart. We sightless children had the best of eyes that day in our hearts and in our finger-tips. We were glad from the child's necessity of being happy. The blind who have outgrown the child's perpetual joy can be children again on Christmas Day and celebrate in the midst of them who pipe and dance and sing a new song!”
Helen Keller (1880–1968) first seen 1906 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Christmas in the Dark" in Ladies Home Journal (December 1906)
“And I made a rural pen, And I stained the water clear, And I wrote my happy songs Every child may joy to hear.”
William Blake (1757–1827) said by 1827 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As long as I can remember, I have suffered because of the great misery I saw in the world. I never really knew the artless, youthful joy of living, and I believe that many children feel this way, even when outwardly they seem to be wholly happy and without a single care.”
Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) said by 1965 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America; with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
Walt Disney (1901–1966) first seen 1955 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech on the opening day of Disneyland (17 July 1955)
“Looking back on when I was a little nappy-headed boy, Then my only worry was for Christmas, what would be my toy? Even though we sometimes would not get a thing, We were happy with the joy the day would bring.”
Stevie Wonder (born 1950) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Sadness when there should be Joy, hatred when there should be love show compassion because we can be more because we both have scars and pain that no one will ever understand but us so be with me not against me and bring us where we were happy and free.”
Hermann Hesse (1877–1962) said by 1962 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Joy, thou spark from Heav'n immortal, Daughter of Elysium! Drunk with fire, toward Heaven advancing Goddess, to thy shrine we come. Thy sweet magic brings together What stern Custom spreads afar; All men become brothers Where thy happy wing-beats are.”
Friedrich Schiller (1759–1805) said by 1805 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“And you're not happy but you're funny and I'm tripping over my joy. I just keep on gettin up again.”
Jenny Lewis (born 1976) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Joy. That is one of the main blessings of the All-Powerful. If we are happy, we are on the right road.”
Paulo Coelho (born 1947) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is no wealth but life. Life, including all its powers of love, of joy, and of admiration. That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest numbers of noble and happy human beings; that man is richest, who, having perfected the functions of his own life to the utmost, has also the widest helpful influence, both personal, and by means of his possessions, over the lives of others.”
John Ruskin (1819–1900) said by 1900 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We don't make mistakes; we just have happy accidents. And that's when you really experience the joy of painting.”
Bob Ross (1942–1995) said by 1995 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As you cannot have a sweet and wholesome abode unless you admit the air and sunshine freely into your rooms, so a strong body and a bright, happy, or serene countenance can only result from the free admittance into the mind of thoughts of joy and good will and serenity.”
James Allen (1864–1912) said by 1912 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I went out into Downing Street a happy man. Of course it was partly because an old buffer like me enjoys feeling that he is still not quite out of things. But it was also pure patriotic joy that my country at such a time should have found such a leader. The furnace of war has smelted out all base metals from him.”
Stanley Baldwin (1867–1947) first seen 1939 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On his meeting with Winston Churchill, quoted in Harold Nicolson's diary (21 July 1943), Nigel Nicolson (ed.), Harold Nicolson: Diaries and Letters. 1939-1945 (1967), p. 286.
“If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. If we really know how to live, what better way to start the day than with a smile? Our smile affirms our awareness and determination to live in peace and joy. The source of a true smile is an awakened mind.”
Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926–2022) first seen 1992 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Peace Is Every Step : The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life (1992) Bantam reissue
“122. Happy is the monk who views the welfare and progress of all men with as much joy as if it were his own.”
Evagrius Ponticus (345–399) said by 399 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I want more than anything for my children to be happy, and I love them because they are sad, and the erratic project of kneading that sadness into joy is the engine of my life as a father, as a son, as a friend—and as a writer.”
Andrew Solomon (born 1963) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Sometimes we are tempted to find excuses and complain, acting as if we could only be happy if a thousand conditions were met. To some extent this is because our “technological society has succeeded in multiplying occasions of pleasure, yet has found it very difficult to engender joy”.”
Pope Francis (1936–2025) first seen 1975 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Ch. 5, sec. 7; quoting Paul VI, Gaudete in Domino (9 May 1975), 22: AAS 67 (1975), 292
“The world isn’t just what you see outside your window. It’s so much larger, so much grander. We are just microscopic specks in the whole big scheme of things in this universe! How bogged down we get by rules, by what society wants and what people say, when in fact it’s all just timepass. Enjoy the moment, even the grief. Celebrate the joy of being alive. It’s so very very easy to be happy.”
Protima Bedi (1948–1998) said by 1998 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“She liked that [Obinze] wore their relationship so boldly, like a brightly colored shirt. Sometimes she worried that she was too happy. She would sink into moodiness, and snap at Obinze, or be distant. And her joy would become a restless thing, flapping its wings inside her, as though looking for an opening to fly away.”
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (born 1977) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I've been a joyous person, but not a happy person. I've experienced joy and laughter, but I've also been a depressed person.”
Billie Eilish (born 2001) first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Billie Eilish Opens Up About Her Mental Health: ‘I’m a Depressed Person’", Rolling Stone (April 24, 2024)
“Nothing gives me more joy than seeing all the young, poor players happy with the little I gave them.”
Olufunke Oshonaike (born 1975) first seen 2017 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: A Quote extracted from her shared story with ITTF Foundation on the successful hosting of the Funke Oshonaike Foundation’s first tournament and clinic in 2017.
“I’m excited and grateful to God. I’m super happy that I was able to make the top three. I’ll say I’m not the best athlete but I’m grateful to God for bringing me this far. I can’t contain my joy no matter the colour of the medal.”
Ese Brume (born 1996) first seen 2021 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Philip Ukpe, ‘I Will Wear My Bronze Medal On Bishop Oyedepo’- Ese Brume, The Whistlers, August 3, 2021.
“My mother told me we all have unique talents and abilities – and many of them can’t be measured on a test. She said comparing myself to anyone else (especially my twin sister) would not make me happy and then she shared Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote, “Comparison is the Thief of Joy”.”
Kim Perell first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Hard Work And Perseverance Pays: Meet Tech Maven Kim Perell Forbes (August 3, 2018)
“I can't imagine being as happy as I have been as a priest. Not that there have not been struggles and ups and downs — but there is in every vocation! Marriage has ups and downs; religious life also! But I cannot imagine finding the same joy that I have in my priesthood and as bishop that I would have had I not chosen the vocation God created me for.”
Alexander King Sample (born 1960) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Archbishop Sample: ‘The Saints Are People Just Like Us’ (1 November 2018) National Catholic Register
“I wouldn't care if other people found them funny or not. Turns out, the videos have also brought other people joy, and I'm so happy they did”
Elsa Majimbo (born 2001) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
Elizabeth Scholtz (1922–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“2 years of joy, playful banter, and heartfelt truths. Happy anniversary, my love. You’re my favorite person to do nothing—and everything—with,”
Lovi Poe (born 1989) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Lovi Poe gives birth to first child: ‘Welcome to the world, my love’, Drew Acierto, Push Team 24 October 2025.
“Happy 1st birthday to my sweet girl! 🌸 Today, you look absolutely beautiful in your pink gown, just like the little princess you are. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since I first laid eyes on your precious face. After waiting 11 years for you, it felt like my first pregnancy all over again, filled with excitement and joy,”
Yasmien Kurdi (born 1989) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: LOOK: Yasmien Kurdi’s daughter Raya Layla turns 1, Nikka Sabio, Push Team 29 April 2025.
“Now Branton Hills had, as you know, built this school for public instruction; and, as with all such institutions, visiting days occur. And what a display of goods and workmanship! And what bright, happy pupils, standing proudly back of it! For mankind knows hardly a joy which will surpass that of approval of his work.”
Ernest Vincent Wright (1872–1939) said by 1939 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I feel so happy when I am making clothes,that I could jump up and down with joy.”
Ann Lowe (1898–1981) said by 1981 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I was ready to have children for many years and so when it happened, I was extremely happy although it has been very controversial with the father, it still gives me the joy.”
Sylvia Owori (born 1976) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Goodness has come, let’s dance for joy for our govt. workers in Nigeria, it is said that new increment has come. I’m happy for them, I too rejoice with them. New incomes has come, Udoji raise is a must for workers. God, let them derive benefit from it.”
Ayinla Omowura (1933–1980) said by 1980 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Silence is the perfectest herald of joy: I were but little happy, if I could say how much.”
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) said by 1616 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Farewell happy fields, Where joy forever dwells: hail, horrors!”
John Milton (1608–1674) said by 1674 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“Beauty, and the love of beauty, give to the soul the happiness to which it aspires by its very nature. If the soul wishes to be happy in an unconditional and permanent fashion, it must bear the beautiful within itself; now the soul can only do this through realizing virtue, which we could also term goodness or piety.”
Frithjof Schuon (1907–1998) said by 1998 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.”
Guillaume Apollinaire (1880–1918) said by 1918 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The hell with it. Who never knew the price of happiness will not be happy.”
Yevgeny Yevtushenko (1933–2017) first seen 1952 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Lies" (1952), line 11; Robin Milner-Gulland and Peter Levi (trans.) Selected Poems (London: Penguin, 2008) p. 52.
“When the attack happened I was in Cuba, visiting my daughter, and I felt happiness. It didn’t hurt me at all, because, as I always say in my speeches, our dead children will be avenged the day when people, any people, are happy.”
Hebe de Bonafini (1928–2022) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Source: Argentina: Hebe de Bonafini and "Las Madres…" (Carlos López, US; ex-Chile); Some rights groups have misguided agendas (in Spanish: Los aplausos al terrorismo, La Nación, 2001).
“I feel it is through prayer, meditation, and dedicated service that world peace can take place. Each individual has to try to make others happy, for it is only through happiness that we can have peace.”
Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) said by 2007 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I'm not a pessimist. Maybe I don't have a primitive feeling of happiness, that is true. Sometimes my color is happy but not the expression.”
Karel Appel (1921–2006) first seen 1989 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: p. 85 'Quotes', K. Appel (1989)