More company increases happiness, but does not lighten or diminish misery.
Thomas TraherneRead
Happiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness is an internal experience rather than something to be demonstrated to others.
This quote emphasizes that happiness is a personal experience meant to be savored rather than showcased. Thomas Traherne suggests that one's own understanding and feeling of happiness are more significant than external judgments, reinforcing the idea that true contentment comes from within and should not be swayed by others' perceptions.
Themes
HappinessEnjoymentInternalPerceptionFeelings
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about self-acceptance.
More from Thomas Traherne
All quotes →We do not ignore maturity. Maturity consists in not losing the past while fully living in the present with a prudent awareness of the possibilities of the future.
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To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious.
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You never know yourself till you know more than your body.
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Certainly Adam in Paradise had not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world, than I when I was a child.
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The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.
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