Monday, January 16, 2006

Happiness

"Those only are happy who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness.

On the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit.

Followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end.

Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way".

So says John Stuart Mills and we would agree that happiness cannot be ordained nor can it be commanded.

Indeed it might be best to add that living in the present moment coupled to his ideas offers the best chance of arriving at happiness.

Happiness after all is an emotion and does not take kindly to being commanded.

Approach happiness from a tangent.

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