But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Lord ByronRead
All human history attests That happiness for man, - the hungry sinner! - Since Eve ate apples, much depends on dinner. ~Lord Byron, Don Juan, Canto XIII, stanza 99
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness is often tied to our basic needs, such as food.
In this quote, Lord Byron reflects on the fundamental connection between human happiness and our physiological needs, particularly the necessity of food. After referencing the biblical story of Eve, he suggests that since the beginning of time, the fulfillment of these basic needs has significantly influenced our well-being and happiness.
Themes
HappinessFoodNeedsHistoryWell-Being
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about what truly makes us happy, this quote can highlight the importance of basic needs.
More from Lord Byron
All quotes βIt is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
Lord ByronRead
For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
Lord ByronRead
Absence - that common cure of love.
Lord ByronRead
Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
Lord ByronRead
But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
Lord ByronRead
Similar quotes
We have to recognize that we can help increase happiness of other people by reaching out, and building connections. People have done that for me in my life. There have been many times that my family and friends have reached out to help support me and contributed to my emotional wellbeing, and ultimately to my health.
Vivek MurthyRead
Happiness is a state of mind. It's just according to the way you look at things.
Walt DisneyRead
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. It is a choice based on the knowledge that we belong to God and have found in God our refuge and our safety and that nothing, not even death, can take God away from us.
Henri NouwenRead
Oh, dreams! In one night, lying with one's eyes shut, one may sometimes live through more than ten years of happiness.
Anton ChekhovRead
Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you.
Maharishi Mahesh YogiRead
Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.
Margaret Lee RunbeckRead