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As we grow older and realize more clearly the limitations of human happiness, we come to see that the only real and abiding pleasure in life is to give pleasure to other people.
P. G. Wodehouse
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True happiness comes from bringing joy to others rather than seeking it for oneself.

This quote reflects the idea that as we mature, we understand that the pursuit of personal happiness can be fleeting and limited. Instead, we find lasting fulfillment and joy through acts of kindness and generosity, bringing happiness to those around us, which ultimately enriches our own lives.

Themes

HappinessGivingPleasureOthersLife

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a motivational speech about community service.

More from P. G. Wodehouse

I turned on the pillow with a little moan, and at this juncture Jeeves entered with the vital oolong. I clutched at it like a drowning man at a straw hat.
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While not exactly disgruntled, he was far from feeling gruntled. He spoke with a certain what-is-it in his voice, and I could see that, if not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled.
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She fitted into my biggest arm-chair as if it had been built round her by someone who knew they were wearing arm-chairs tight about the hips that season
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It was a nasty look. It made me feel as if I were something the dog had brought in and intended to bury later on, when he had time.
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Memories are like mulligatawny soup in a cheap restaurant. It is wiser not to stir them.
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It was a confusion of ideas between him and one of the lions he was hunting in Kenya that had caused A. B. Spottsworth to make the obituary column. He thought the lion was dead, and the lion thought it wasn't.
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