Quotes About Happiness

126 quotes

President of the United States from 1933 to 1945

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.

American actor and comedian

I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anyone else to feel like that.

Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and theologian

The summit of happiness is reached when a person is ready to be what he is.

Argentine association football player

There's nothing more satisfying than seeing a happy and smiling child. I always help in any way I can, even if it's just by signing an autograph. A child's smile is worth more than all the money in the world.

Founder of the Achaemenid Empire

You cannot be buried in obscurity: you are exposed upon a grand theater to the view of the world. If your actions are upright and benevolent, be assured they will augment your power and happiness.

Eighth Emperor of Russia, called the Great, r. 1762–1796

First health then wealth then pleasure and do not owe anything to anybody.

French stage actress, painter and sculptor

What would life be without art? Science prolongs life. To consist of what-eating drinking and sleeping? What is the good of living longer if it is only a matter of satisfying the requirements that sustain life? All this is nothing without the charm of art.

American deafblind author, political activist, lecturer, scholar

For one wild, glad moment we snapped the chain that binds us to earth, and joining hands with the winds we felt ourselves divine.

— The Story of My Life

English poet and artist

And Priests in black gowns, were walking their rounds, And binding with briars, my joys & desires.

— Songs of Innocence and of Experience

266th pope of the Catholic Church from 2013 to 2025

Instead of imposing new obligations, (Christians) should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet.

— Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel

French novelist, journalist, playwright, and poet

The festivity had reached that apogee of joy when you face the happy fate of being crushed to death.

— The Attack on the Mill and Other Stories

Florentine poet, writer, and philosopher

There is no greater sorrow than to recall our time of joy in wretchedness.

— The Divine Comedy

Scottish philosopher, economist, and historian

No man ever threw away life while it was worth keeping.

— Essays on Suicide and the Immortality of the Soul

Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, Catholic priest, and Doctor of the Church

The soul is like an uninhabited worldthat comes to life only when / God lays His headagainst us.

8th Secretary-General of the United Nations

When Nelson Mandela walked free, the world sang with joy. Ever since, South Africa has stood as a beacon of hope for Africa.