Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
Interpretation
Happiness guides us through life's journey, but each person's path to it is unique.
In this quote, Charles Caleb Colton personifies happiness as a 'grand mistress' who orchestrates our experiences in life. He suggests that, while happiness is a powerful force that influences our decisions and experiences, the path to finding that happiness varies for each individual, indicating the subjective nature of joy and fulfillment.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a speech about finding individual happiness in life.
Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
It is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
There are three kinds of praise, that which we yield, that which we lend, and that which we pay. We yield it to the powerful from fear, we lend it to the weak from interest, and we pay it to the deserving from gratitude.
Knowing you have something good to read before bed is among the most pleasurable of sensations.
A joyful heart is like the sunshine of God's love, the hope of eternal happiness.
Tranquil pleasure constitutes human beings' supreme good
If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.
And as I walk round the park I always think, 'Maybe round the corner I am going to find something beautiful.' I always think positively. It is very rare that you find me in a mood that is sad or melancholic.
The key to human happiness lies within our own state of mind, and so too do the primary obstacles to that happiness.
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