Hence," goes on the professor, "definitions of happiness…
““Hence," goes on the professor, "definitions of happiness are interesting." I suppose the best thing to do with that is to let is pass. Me, I never saw a definition of happiness that could detain me after train-time, but that may be a matter of lack of opportunity, of inattention, or of congenital rough luck. If definitions of happiness can keep Professor Phelps on his toes, that is little short of dandy. We might just as well get on along to the next statement, which goes like this: "One of the best" (we are still on definitions of happiness) "was given in my Senior year at college by Professor Timothy Dwight: 'The happiest person is the person who thinks the most interesting thoughts.'" Promptly one starts recalling such Happiness Boys as Nietzche, Socrates, de Maupassant, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, William Blake, and Poe.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Happiness is elusive; definitions are interesting but not limiting; thinking interesting thoughts leads to happiness.
In simple terms: Thinking interesting thoughts brings happiness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate curiosity and deep thinking.
Themes
happiness
philosophy
thought
Mood
contemplative
philosophical
Type
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- creative work
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
definition
intellectual curiosity
mindset
Questions to Reflect On
- What thoughts make you feel happiest?
- How can you foster interesting thinking daily?
A Different Perspective
Happiness cannot be fully captured by definitions alone.