I'm not doing anything, and yet I'm also doing the most important thing a man can do: I'm listening to what I needed to hear from myself.
Paulo CoelhoRead
I am not happy, and the quest for happiness as a principal objective is not part of my world. Of course, ever since I can remember, I have done what I felt like doing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness is not a primary goal for me; instead, I pursue what feels right.
In this quote, Paulo Coelho expresses a perspective that prioritizes personal fulfillment and authenticity over the pursuit of happiness as a goal in itself. He suggests that real contentment comes from following one's passions and instincts, rather than chasing a societal concept of happiness.
Themes
HappinessPursuitAuthenticityFulfillmentLife Choices
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a motivational talk about finding personal purpose.
More from Paulo Coelho
All quotes →Each stone, each bend cries welcome to him. He identifies with the mountains and the streams, he sees something of his own soul in the plants and the animals and the birds of the field.
Paulo CoelhoRead
We need to clear our minds of bad thoughts.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Having the courage to take the steps we always wanted to take is the only way of showing that we trust in God.
Paulo CoelhoRead
The fool who loves giving advice on our garden never tends his own plants
Paulo CoelhoRead
Sometimes the Warrior feels as if he were living two lives at once.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Similar quotes
Now is the time for drinking; now the time to beat the earth with unfettered foot.
HoraceRead
When I am in trouble, eating is the only thing that consoles me. Indeed, as any one who knows me intimately will tell you, I refuse everything except food and drink. At the present moment I am eating muffins because I am unhappy. Besides, I am particularly fond of muffins.
Oscar WildeRead
Happiness cannot be attained by wanting to be happy - it must come as the unintended consequence of working for a goal greater than oneself.
Viktor E. FranklRead
We have thousands of opportunities every day to be grateful: for having good weather, to have slept well last night, to be able to get up, to be healthy, to have enough to eat. ... There's opportunity upon opportunity to be grateful; that's what life is.
David Steindl-RastRead
We have an infinite number of reasons to be happy, and a serious responsibility not be serious.
Maharishi Mahesh YogiRead
And over one more set of hills, along the sea, the last roses have opened their factories of sweetness and are giving it back to the world. If I had another life I would want to spend it all on some unstinting happiness.
Mary OliverRead