The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.
Interpretation
True happiness can be found in the simple and ordinary aspects of life.
This quote emphasizes that happiness is not derived from grand achievements or material possessions, but rather from the ability to appreciate and find joy in everyday occurrences. Henry Ward Beecher encourages individuals to recognize the beauty and happiness that can be discovered in common experiences, suggesting that a shift in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
In practice
In a speech about mindfulness, you could quote this to illustrate the importance of appreciating small joys.
The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
A man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Remember laughing? Laughter enhances the blood flow to the bodyβs extremities and improves cardiovascular function. Laughter releases endorphins and other natural mood elevating and pain-killing chemicals, improves the transfer of oxygen and nutrients to internal organs. Laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off disease, cancer cells as well as viral, bacterial and other infections. Being happy is the best cure of all diseases!
The ultimate source of a happy life is warm-heartedness. This means extending to others the kind of concern we have for ourselves. On a simple level we find that if we have a compassionate heart we naturally have more friends. And scientists today are discovering that while anger and hatred eat into our immune system, warm-heartedness and compassion are good for our health.
To be satisfied with what one has; that is wealth. As long as one sorely needs a certain additional amount, that man isn't rich.
I wasn't handed college or graduate school or anything else on a silver platter. I had to work very hard, but I did it because I wanted to. That's the real key to happiness. I think unhappy people are those who feel that circumstances are forcing them into a pattern. Happy people are not slaves to the system.
Look, really look, at how beautiful this day is. Let go of the worries and anxieties and judgments, and see the beauty.
What if you woke up this morning and had only the things you thanked God for yesterday?
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