QuoteProject
True happiness is to rejoice in the truth, for to rejoice in the truth is to rejoice in You, O God, who are the truth... Those who think that there is another kind of happiness look for joy elsewhere, but theirs is not true joy.
Saint Augustine
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

True happiness comes from embracing and rejoicing in the truth, which is inherently tied to God.

This quote by Saint Augustine emphasizes that the foundation of genuine happiness lies in acknowledging and celebrating the truth, which he equates with the divine essence of God. Augustine warns against the pursuit of false sources of happiness, suggesting that those who seek joy outside of this profound truth are ultimately misguided, as their joy will not lead to true fulfillment.

Themes

HappinessTruthGodJoyFulfillment

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a sermon to inspire faith and the pursuit of truth.

More from Saint Augustine

The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
There is no health in those who are displeased by an element in Your creation, just as there was none in me when I was displeased by many things You had made. Because my soul didn't dare to say that my God displeased me, it refused to attribute to You whatever was displeasing.
Saint AugustineRead
Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times: Such as we are, such are the times.
Saint AugustineRead
Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart.
Saint AugustineRead
Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
Saint AugustineRead
Everyone who observes himself doubting observes a truth, and about that which he observes he is certain; therefore he is certain about a truth. Everyone therefore who doubts whether truth exists has in himself a truth on which not to doubt.... Hence one who can doubt at all ought not to doubt the existence of truth.
Saint AugustineRead

Similar quotes

As long as we think our lives are not good enough (materially), we will not have happiness. As soon as we realize our lives are good enough, happiness immediately appears. That is the practice of contentment.
Nhat HanhRead
A joyful heart is like the sunshine of God's love, the hope of eternal happiness.
Mother TeresaRead
The rights essential to happiness. . . . We claim them from a higher source - from the King of kings and Lord of all the earth.
John DickinsonRead
All I do is play music and golf - which one do you want me to give up?
Willie NelsonRead
The choicest pleasures of life lie within the ring of moderation.
Benjamin DisraeliRead
Pleasure must succeed to pleasure, else past pleasure turns to pain
Robert BrowningRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.