Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
Freedom is the real foundation of happiness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness is rooted in the ability to be free and live authentically.
Nhat Hanh emphasizes that genuine happiness cannot be attained without freedom. Freedom allows individuals to express themselves fully and pursue their desires, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy in life. When one is free from constraints, both external and internal, they can discover true happiness within themselves.
Themes
FreedomHappinessJoyAuthenticityFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about finding joy in life, one might quote Nhat Hanh to emphasize the importance of personal freedom.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes βI have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
Nhat HanhRead
I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
Nhat HanhRead
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
Nhat HanhRead
The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat HanhRead
Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
Similar quotes
Happiness is a hard master, particularly other people's happiness.
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I am compelled to continuously see the bright side. It is in my DNA. My kids look at me and say: 'Mom, you're so happy!' And I do feel happy. I feel joyful inside. I can't explain it.
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I reached for sleep and drew it round me like a blanket muffling pain and thought together in the merciful dark
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The disturbers of our happiness, in this world, are our desires, our griefs, and our fears.
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There are other ways of finding satisfaction, recipes for human happiness, enjoyment, dignified and meaningful, gratifying life, than increased consumption that increases production.
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On with the dance, let the joy be unconfined.
Mark TwainRead