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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“On a mystical level, it was complete joy and happiness and there were tears running down my face. On a conscious level, when I came out of it I was absolutely horrified because I'm Jewish. This was not the thing I'm supposed to have confront me.”
Naomi Wolf (born 1962) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To come to the end of a time of anxiety and fear! To feel the cloud that hung over us lift and disperse—the cloud that dulled the heart and made happiness no more than a memory! This at least is one joy that must have been known by almost every living creature.”
Richard Adams (1920–2016) said by 2016 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As I grow older, I wish for more of these snapshots of joy, to be able to string them together into a long line of happiness. To remember how life should feel. […] I left enriched with a memory. […] Let's never forget our good days; we should string them together like pearls on a necklace, to be treasured and remembered whenever days don't make us feel as good.”
Connor Franta (born 1992) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The use of color in my paintings is of paramount importance to me. Through color I have sought to concentrate on beauty and happiness in my painting rather than on man's inhumanity to man.(...) My goal was not to offend the beauty in nature, but rather to share with others those aspects of it that have given me so much joy.”
Alma Thomas (1891–1978) said by 1978 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This career has given me a lot of happiness and I’ve fallen in love with it. Of course, there is joy in fame, but there are plenty of difficult periods to endure as well. It’s not unusual to feel down or stressed, but I use those as motivators to remain steadfast and look ahead.”
Liu Wen (model) first seen 2021 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Liu Wen opens up about fame, responsibility and finding meaning in her career" in Vogue (1 March 2021)
“Marriage is not that important o, joy and happiness, health and well-being. When the time comes we will all dance to the altar but till den let’s thank God for life”
“True pleasure-joy, happiness and satisfaction-has been the force that helps us move beyond the constant struggle, that helps us live and generate futures beyond this dystopic present, futures worthy of our miraculous lives. Pleasure-embodied, connected pleasure-is one of the ways we know when we are free. That we are always free. That we always have the power to co-create the world.”
Adrienne Maree Brown (born 1978) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This is how it always goes: when my life becomes dismal and sombre, I delve into my past and select sparks of pure joy, of untainted happiness and use them to light up my blackened soul. And here it is, my beautiful dream: A quiet, trembling night spread its wings over the blooming valley, shrouding it in starless obscurity.”
Anna Margolin (1887–1952) said by 1952 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I am certain that every pontiff brings with him his personal qualities but I also believe the role can shape the person. The Pope will continue to preach the teachings of the Church and, as one of the architects of Vatican II, he will strive to spread the message of Christ and the joy, happiness and dynamism which come with it.”
John Alexius Bathersby (1936–2020) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane: “The Pope will strive to spread the message of Christ and the joy, happiness and dynamism which come with it”. (21 April 2005) Fides News Agecny
“An overflowing pot must be emptied before anything new can be added. If you cling to the sorrows of the past, how can you make space for the happiness and joy of the present?”
Sanu Sharma wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I didn’t see enough examples of different versions of how a woman can find happiness and joy and power and sensuality, sexuality, all of that, without it being through the lens of how I’m seen by a man.”
Tracee Ellis Ross (born 1972) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Let us join hands to celebrate this Christmas (2023) with joy and happiness. Let us forget and forgive those who did bad to us, it will not take us anyway.”
Joseph Bakosoro first seen 2023 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Joseph Bakosoro (2023) cited in "South Sudan presidential affairs minister urges forgiveness in Christmas message" on Sudans Post, 13 December 2023.
“What really makes me feel good, makes me feel like my life has been totally worthwhile, is the fact that Stardew Valley has brought such joy and happiness to people. People describe it as a therapeutic game. Because I know that this little game brings so much positivity to the world... that really feels good.”
Eric Barone (born 1987) first seen 2020 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: In an interview with Ellen Meny of KING-TV, (April 15, 2020)
“In most cultures in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, dancing groups in traditional costume is used in the most important celebrations of the people’s life. These dances can also express the joy, happiness and unity of the people during Mass. There is no better way to build Christian community through the Holy Eucharist, the center of the Church.”
Francesco Panfilo (born 1942) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The mission "for the sanctity of the family", following the example of the Blessed Peter To Rot (11 October 2011) Fides News Agency
“Retiring from music is unthinkable for me. If I were to stop playing music, a part of me would die. Music is my passion, my love, and my source of joy. When I sing, I derive immense happiness from seeing people’s faces light up with delight.”
Ebenezer Obey (born 1942) first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Evangelist Ebenezer Obey: The Juju Legend Who Defied His Mother’s Wishes to Follow His Dreams 2024, THISDAY (Nigeria).
“I don’t know, but I know I don’t know it all! I believe the entrepreneurship journey is one of discovery. Always stay learning and never think you know everything. Be open to change. Allow growth to happen, and don’t fight it. Find joy and happiness in the little things. And enjoy the work you do!”
Abasi Ene-Obong wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have always known I’ll never have kids, and I’m lucky to be with a man who feels the same. And I don’t mind talking about it. I know that you sacrifice a great deal of joy as well if you have kids. Obviously having kids would bring happiness too. So it’s a balancing act between all those things.”
Sara Baume (born 1984) first seen 2022 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview with the Irish Times, April 2022
“Happiness and joy don’t sell as well as suffering and crawling our ways up seemingly insurmountable hills. No, people are incredibly entertained by Black women’s suffering to the point of wishing ill upon us to see what the output will be”
Feminista Jones (born 1979) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Breaking Down, Breaking Through,23 October 2016
“When I play football, I forget my problems. It is my joy. It is my happiness.”
Linda Motlhalo (born 1998) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My experience with them was very real, very pure, very being. They shared love with us. You don't feel the problems when you are with them. They gave us happiness and joy.”
Lorna Tolentino (born 1961) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Lorna Tolentino waives talent fee for ‘I’mPerfect’, Josh Mercado 17 December 2025.
“You are such a little bundle of joy and love, always wanting to be close to me, and I savor every snuggle and giggle we share. Your radiant smile lights up my days and fills my heart with happiness.”
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.
“In the Gospel of Luke, for example, we find a beautiful image of happiness, in which the Virgin Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who, like Mary, is pregnant. It then happens that, at the sight of Mary, the child in Elizabeth's womb begins to leap. Think of the motion of joy as this “jumping”!”
Salvatore Natoli (born 1942) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Love seems to be the satisfaction of a person's heart towards something, because of something: it presents itself as desire in the search, and happiness in the satisfaction of possession; it appears as a race, as far as desire is concerned, and as rest, as far as the joy of possession is concerned.”
Hugh of Saint Victor (1096–1141) said by 1141 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When young persons are summoned from this world ere they have mingled in its sinful pursuits, they can be readily yielded into the hands of God, whose merciful providence is then rather a cause for joy and thanksgiving than an occasion of sorrowing and regret; because there is a well-founded hope of their having attained the great end of their existence — the enjoyment of eternal happiness.”
Charles Ignatius White (1807–1878) said by 1878 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Furthermore, I convey my Warm Sallah Greetings On this joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt wishes for peace, joy, and prosperity to each and every one of you. May the blessings of this special day fill your homes with happiness and your hearts with contentment.”
Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (born 1966) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I love to see my friends achieve their goals and succeed at what they set out to do. Witnessing their happiness and fulfillment brings me joy. I'm a people person, so I enjoy engaging with others and asking questions to learn more about them. Seeing people live out their dreams and fulfill their destinies also makes me smile, whether they are friends or strangers.”
Tamika Scott (born 1975) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“All who joy would win Must share it, happiness was born a twin.”
Lord Byron (1788–1824) said by 1824 at the latest bartlett, Public domain source
“A moment ago a deputy of the communist party pleaded for the abortion of developing life. … In Russia there has been a soviet rule for ten years already. … Where is the promised paradise after these ten years? Where is the foretold happiness? Is that supposed to be the happiness that in Russia the abortion has been legalized?”
Julius Streicher (1885–1946) first seen 1929 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 22 February 1929, speech in the Bavarian regional parliament ("Kampf dem Weltfeind", Stürmer publishing house, Nuremberg, 1938)
“Have you not sometimes seen happiness? Yes, the happiness of others.”
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. 156
“Don't seek happiness. If you seek it, you won't find it, because seeking is the antithesis of happiness.”
Eckhart Tolle (born 1948) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Happiness is not essential to the artist; happiness never creates anything but memories.”
Frank Harris (1856–1931) first seen 1916 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Oscar Wilde ([1916] 1997) ch. 21, p. 254.
“As man is so constituted that it is utterly impossible for him to attain happiness save by seeking the happiness of others, so does it seem to be of the nature of things that individuals and classes can obtain their own just rights only by struggling for the rights of others.”
Henry George (1839–1897) said by 1897 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“There's an inherent limit to the stress that any material can bear. Water has its boiling point, metals their melting points. The elements of the spirit behave the same way. Happiness can reach a pitch so great that any further happiness can't be felt. Pain, despair, humiliation, disgust, and fear are no different. Once the vessel is full, the world can't add to it.”
Stefan Zweig (1881–1942) said by 1942 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The stability of happiness depends − quite apart from any question of destiny − not only on the beauty and wisdom of our attitude but also, and above all, on an opening towards Heaven which confers upon the experience of happiness a life continually renewed. One must realize in earthly mode that which will be realized in heavenly mode; this is the very definition of nobility of character.”
Frithjof Schuon (1907–1998) said by 1998 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Happiness is religion and character; faith and virtue. It is a fact that man cannot find happiness within his own limits; his very nature condemns him to surpass himself, and in surpassing himself, to free himself.”
Frithjof Schuon (1907–1998) said by 1998 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[on the fear of a nervous breakdown] I don't think I ever lost this fear. It turned me into a default existentialist by the time I was six: I quickly learned that the pursuit of happiness is largely pointless, happiness being the only target one merely has to aim at in order to miss.”
John Cooper Clarke (born 1949) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Drugs provide pleasure; they cannot provide happiness. For happiness, you need people.”
William Glasser (1925–2013) said by 2013 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“But also I say this: that light is an invitation to happiness, and that happiness, when it’s done right, is a kind of holiness.”
Mary Oliver (1935–2019) said by 2019 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I do not believe that science per se is an adequate source of happiness, nor do I think that my own scientific outlook has contributed very greatly to my own happiness, which I attribute to defecating twice a day with unfailing regularity.”
Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) first seen 1931 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Letter to W. W. Norton (publisher), 27 January, 1931
“In fact, contempt for happiness is usually contempt for other people's happiness, and is an elegant disguise for hatred of the human race.”
Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) said by 1970 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To crave for happiness in this world is simply to be possessed by a spirit of revolt. What right have we to happiness?”
Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906) said by 1906 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality of happiness, and by no means a necessity of life.”
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) said by 1950 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Action may not always bring happiness but there is no happiness without action.”
Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881) said by 1881 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The office of government is not to confer happiness, but to give men opportunity to work out happiness for themselves.”
William Ellery Channing (1780–1842) first seen 1827 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Review of The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte (1827) by Sir Walter Scott, in the Christian Examiner (September - October 1827)
“In Nekhludoff, as in all people, there were two beings; one spiritual, who sought only such happiness for himself as also benefited others; and the animal being, seeking his own happiness for the sake of which he is willing to sacrifice that of the world.”
Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) said by 1910 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If there ever was a pursuit which stultified itself by its very conditions, it is the pursuit of pleasure as the all-sufficing end of life. Happiness can not come to any man capable of enjoying true happiness unless it comes as the sequel to duty well and honestly done. To do that duty you need to have more than one trait.”
Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) said by 1919 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I believe there is one Supreme most perfect being. ... I believe He is pleased and delights in the happiness of those He has created; and since without virtue man can have no happiness in this world, I firmly believe He delights to see me virtuous.”
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) first seen 1728 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion" (1728)
“Philosophers should consider the fact that the greatest happiness principle can easily be made an excuse for a benevolent dictatorship. We should replace it by a more modest and more realistic principle — the principle that the fight against avoidable misery should be a recognized aim of public policy, while the increase of happiness should be left, in the main, to private initiative.”
Karl Popper (1902–1994) said by 1994 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in 1,001 Pearls of Wisdom (2006) by David Ross
“The end of living, or the ultimate good, which is to be sought for its own sake, according to the universal opinion of mankind, is happiness; yet men, for the most part, fail in the pursuit of this end, either because they do not form a right idea of the nature of happiness, or because they do not make use of proper means to attain it.”
Epicurus (342–270 BC) said by 270 BC at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“He that sympathizes in all the happiness of others, perhaps himself enjoys the safest happiness.”
Charles Caleb Colton (1777–1832) said by 1832 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source