We shouldn’t put too much trust in happiness,” I said. “It…
““We shouldn’t put too much trust in happiness,” I said. “It comes and goes. And when we try and take hold of it, it slips away from us. It’s like a beautiful bird sitting on our balcony rail and flying off the moment we get too close. Do you expect a bird to sit on your shoulder and sing to the pair of us the way we’d like it to? /A Time for Errors (1992)””
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 fleeting; chasing it tightly makes it escape like a startled bird.
In simple terms: Pursuing joy can cause it to vanish.
Key Takeaway
Let happiness come naturally.
Themes
happiness
impermanence
acceptance
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
Happiness:1
Trust:0
Happiness Said:0
Shouldn Trust:0
Trust Happiness:0
Expect Bird:0
When to use this quote
- Mindfulness practice
- gratitude journaling
- stress reduction
- emotional regulation
Key Concepts
Philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you experience fleeting happiness?
- What practices help you accept impermanence?
A Different Perspective
Attempting to control joy may cause anxiety.