Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
O happiness! our being's end and aim! _x000D_ _x000D_ Good, pleasure, ease, content! whate'er thy name: _x000D_ _x000D_ That something still which prompts the eternal sigh, _x000D_ _x000D_ For which we bear to live, or dare to die.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness is the ultimate goal of our existence, driven by our desires and hopes.
In this quote, Alexander Pope expresses the idea that happiness is the fundamental purpose of life. He suggests that it encompasses various forms of joy and contentment, but also acknowledges a deeper yearning for fulfillment that may never be fully attained, driving us to experience life’s struggles and savor its joys.
Themes
HappinessPurposeLifeContentmentDesire
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech about finding joy in life’s journey.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes →What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
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Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
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An honest man's the noblest work of God.
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One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
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Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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