Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,161,747 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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Happiness
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“In love, if inconstancy gives some pleasure, constancy alone gives happiness.”
Nicolas-Charles-Joseph Trublet (1697–1770) said by 1770 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Reported in J. de Finod (1902) p. 234
“Vitality of mind and body; the activity to employ and maintain them; the zest and curiosity that they can animate; freedom to travel widely in nature and art, in countries of the world and countries of the mind; human affections; and the gift of gaiety – these seem to me, then, the main causes of happiness. I am surprised to find how few and simple they are.”
F. L. Lucas (1894–1967) said by 1967 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Politicians walk through mysterious paths, and the springs they move by are concealed from the eyes of the world. The interest of a nation depends upon the capricious humour of a statesman; and the happiness of a people is often sacrificed to private resentment.”
Hugh Tootell (1672–1743) first seen 1688 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Dodd's Church history of England from the Commencement of the Sixteenth Century to the Revolution in 1688
“Happiness is going into town to go shopping with my mum.”
Francesca Morvillo (1945–1992) said by 1992 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Happiness is never perfect because it is always undermined by the fear of losing it. For the same reason, unhappiness can be made perfect by the fear that it will never leave us.”
Giancarlo Magalli (born 1947) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; The wise grows it under his feet.”
James Oppenheim (1882–1932) said by 1932 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The moment you link your happiness to a "like" button, your art becomes a toxic addiction. To keep it healthy, the "win" must happen the moment you hit the export button.”
Play House (born 1993) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I climbed on the back of a giant albatross, Which flew through a crack in the cloud, To a place where happiness reigned all year round, Where music played ever so loudly.”
Dave Mason (1946–2026) first seen 1967 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Hole in My Shoe", on Mr. Fantasy (1967)
“Happiness is knowing that you are living in peace, that you have no debts, and that you have no problems.”
Renzo Arbore (born 1937) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Happiness is not perfected till it is shared.”
Jane Porter (1776–1850) said by 1850 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He that easily believes rumours has the principle within him to augment rumors. It is strange to see the ravenous appetite with which some devourers of character and happiness fix upon the sides of the innocent and unfortunate.”
Jane Porter (1776–1850) said by 1850 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It depends on education (that holder of the keys which the Almighty hath put into our hands) to open the gates which lead to virtue or to vice, to happiness or misery.”
Jane Porter (1776–1850) said by 1850 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Virtue is despotic; life, reputation, every earthly good, must be surrendered at her voice. The law may seem hard, but it is the guardian of what it commands; and is the only sure defence of happiness.”
Jane Porter (1776–1850) said by 1850 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Even if you could be sure of prosperity and all the blessings this world could afford, what comparison could they bear to the happiness or misery of eternity? Our time here at the longest is but short, and we are daily liable to the strokes of Death.”
William Barber Tyler (1806–1849) said by 1849 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I'm not rich, but I'm wealthy in happiness. I have a great marriage and three terrific kids who are now young adults.”
Cassindy Chao first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: I quit my $376,000 dream job at Goldman Sachs to care for my mother when she got sick," Business Insider, May 2024.
“Chinelo Okparanta’s collection of short stories, Happiness Like Water. I would hint that my favourite story in the collection is ‘Fairness,’ But then again, with people that bleach the problem is psychological, and they suffer from a deep lack of confidence.”
Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (born 1967) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The only means by which one could attain complete happiness is to avoid living in constant expectation of it. It's the expectation that causes our unhappiness and consequent bitterness about life.”
Mohammed Naseehu Ali (born 1971) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To be child of God is the greatest happiness of all,’ she say in a voice that resembles the voice of Pastor Justice well-well.”
Efua Traoré (born 1976) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Papa suddenly appears inside the door and sits down after three months of no-show-face and my happiness just vamoose.”
Efua Traoré (born 1976) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“After much reflection and discussion, Emem and I have decided to part ways after about 10 years of marriage. While this is undoubtedly a challenging time for both of us, we believe it is the best path forward for our individual happiness and personal growth.”
Moses Inwang (born 1978) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have dedicated myself to work untiringly for the progress and happiness of the people of the North.”
Ahmadu Bello (1910–1966) said by 1966 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I’ve always wanted to be an actress. It’s such an amazing opportunity that through creating a character, I am able to live other people’s lives, happiness, pain, and experiences.”
Amina Khalil (born 1988) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Our mission is to provide financial happiness.”
Tosin Eniolorunda wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Moniepoint has secured an investment from Visa, a global leader in digital payments, to continue our mission to create financial happiness for every African everywhere.”
Tosin Eniolorunda wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We are all strangers on earth, searching here and there for the path to true happiness.”
Olympe Bhêly-Quenum (born 1926) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Mission territories are at the heart of this search for happiness. God is coming, let us not be afraid, let us go to meet him.”
Henryk Hoser (1942–2021) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: PMS Assembly - The Saintly Cure d’Ars and Pauline Jaricot: two models for Mission (9 May 2005) Fides News Agency
“What gives me happiness is that I'm still involved in the game and I'm also pursuing my passion of being an analyst.”
Phumelele Bhengu (born 1989) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I made the decision for my own good and my own mental happiness.”
Bongani Zungu (born 1992) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Success; I want to be part of someone’s success story. That is pure happiness for me and it has less to do with money.”
Joram Muzira (born 1987) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“For me, religion is serious business—a farrago of authoritarian nonsense, misogyny and humble pie, the eternal enemy of human happiness and freedom.”
Katha Pollitt (born 1949) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Subject to Debate: Sense and Dissents on Women, Politics, and Culture”, p.29, Modern Library, 2004
“What helped me become successful as a three-time Olympian is not going to lead to success or happiness as a wife and as a mother.”
Dominique Dawes (born 1976) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“What helped me become successful as a three-time Olympian is not going to lead to success or happiness as a wife and as a mother, So I’ve had to learn to relax, let go and have fun. My husband always asks, ‘How many times have you laughed today?”
Dominique Dawes (born 1976) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[C]offee was designed for man's sustenance and happiness as much as the golden grain, or the delicious fruits of mother earth.”
Francis B. Thurber (1842–1907) said by 1907 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have accepted these victories as I accept this tragedy. I must embrace both circumstances as facts of life and find happiness.”
Abebe Bikila (1932–1973) said by 1973 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“An impalpable veil of gloom and poverty then spreads over the youth that is greedy of happiness; aspirations are checked; the horizon of life is clouded; and many of these poor young men are disheartened, and rebel against their lot, and many are miserably wrecked rather than accept the realities of life with its toil and sacrifices, which unexpectedly open to their sight.”
Zénaide-Marie-Anne Fleuriot (1829–1890) first seen 1863 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Eagle and Dove (1863)
“I was influenced by these two amazing women every day. I like to say that I’m observant, and just by watching, one can learn so much! They move through the industry with such grace and happiness as well as a deep appreciation for the story! It gets no better than this, honestly.”
Lovie Simone (born 1998) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have a paradise in a few years.”
Bertrand Russell (disputed) first seen 1961 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Think, Vol. 27 (1961), p. 32
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”
Oscar Wilde (disputed) first seen 1908 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: A version of this quote was published anonymously in an insurance magazine in 1908. The earliest attribution to Wilde was in 1955; no source in Wilde's writings has been found.
“Happiness depends upon ourselves”
Aristotle (disputed) first seen 1955 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: An interpretative gloss of Aristotle's position in Nicomachean Ethics book 1 section 9, tacitly inserted by J. A. K. Thomson in his English translation The Ethics of Aristotle (1955). The original Greek at Book I 1099b.…
“Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you. But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.”
Henry David Thoreau (misattributed) first seen 1848 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: According to The Quote Investigator, "the earliest instance of this saying was crafted by the enigmatic "L" for "The Daily Crescent" newspaper in New Orleans [in June 1848]. ... The linkage to Henry David Thoreau is uns…
“Peace is the fairest form of happiness.”
William Ellery Channing (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The reasonable worship of a just God who punishes and rewards, would undoubtedly contribute to the happiness of men; but when that salutary knowledge of a just God is disfigured by absurd lies and dangerous superstitions, then the remedy turns to poison.”
Voltaire (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.”
John Stuart Mill (disputed) first seen 1887 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Attributed to John Stuart Mill in The Phrenological Journal and Science of Health, Vol. LXXXV (September 1887), p. 170
“The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.”
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (misattributed) first seen 1809 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in A Dictionary of Quotations, in Most Frequent Use by D.E. Macdonnel (1809) translated from French: Le bonheur de l'homme en cette vi ne consiste pas á être sans passions: il consiste à en être le maître.
“Beauty is the promise of happiness.”
Edmund Burke (misattributed) first seen 1822 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Actually by Stendhal: "La beauté n'est que la promesse du bonheur" (Beauty is no more than the promise of happiness), in De L'Amour (1822), chapter 17
“The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.”
Joseph Addison (misattributed) first seen 1802 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Widely quoted as an Addison maxim this is actually by the American clergyman George Washington Burnap (1802-1859), published in Burnap's The Sphere and Duties of Woman : A Course of Lectures (1848), Lecture IV.
“Pleasure can be supported by an illusion, but happiness rests upon truth.”
Nicolas Chamfort (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There is, properly speaking, no Misfortune in the world. Happiness and Misfortune stand in continual balance. Every Misfortune is, as it were, the obstruction of a stream, which, after overcoming this obstruction, but bursts through with the greater force.”
Novalis (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“God created pain and grief for this purpose, To wit, to manifest happiness by its opposites. Hidden things are manifested by their opposites, But as God has no opposite, He remains hidden, God’s light has no opposite in the range of creation Whereby it may be manifested to view, Perforce ‘Our eyes see Him not, though He sees us,’ Behold this in the case of Moses and Mount Sinai.”
Rumi (attributed) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You will never be happier than you expect. To change your happiness, change your expectation.”
Bette Davis (attributed) first seen 2007 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Gerhard Gschwandtner, Great Thoughts to Sell By: Quotes to Motivate You to Success, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2007, , p. 89.