When the sage points at the moon, all that the idiot sees is the finger.
Anthony De MelloRead
The master never seemed to have his fill of gazing at his firstborn child. "What do you want him to be when he grows up?" someone asked. "Outrageously happy," said the master.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The master values his child's happiness above all else.
This quote emphasizes the importance of happiness in life, particularly from a parent's perspective. The master expresses a deep desire for his child's future to be filled with joy, indicating that the ultimate goal in life should be to find satisfaction and fulfillment rather than just success or achievement.
Themes
HappinessParentingJoyLife GoalsFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
During a parenting workshop, to inspire parents to prioritize their children's happiness.
More from Anthony De Mello
All quotes →Perfect love casts out fear. Where there is love there are no demands, no expectations, no dependency. I do not demand that you make me happy; my happiness does not lie in you. If you were to leave me, I will not feel sorry for myself; I enjoy your company immensely, but I do not cling.
Anthony De MelloRead
The genius of a composer is found in the notes of his music; but analyzing the notes will not reveal his genius. The poet's greatness is contained in his words; yet the study of his words will not disclose his inspiration. God reveals himself in creation; but scrutinize creation as minutely as you wish, you will not find God, any more than you will find the soul through careful examination of your body.
Anthony De MelloRead
What is a loving heart? A loving heart is sensitive to the whole of life, to all persons; a loving heart doesn't harden itself to any persons or things.
Anthony De MelloRead
Problems only exist in the human mind.
Anthony De MelloRead
Those who make no mistakes are making the biggest mistakes of all - they are attempting nothing new.
Anthony De MelloRead
Similar quotes
Happy people do not demand a lot from the world because their happiness proceeds from a place deeper than the world can touch.
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The very first condition of lasting happiness is that a life should be full of purpose, aiming at something outside self.
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Peace is one of the most precious gifts God has promised His children. I know, because for many years my life was not peaceful, and I was miserable.
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Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy. Action is no less necessary than thought to the instinctive tendencies of the human frame.
William HazlittRead
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratitude.
Denis WaitleyRead
Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.
Helen KellerRead