We will therefore turn to the less ambitious question of…
““We will therefore turn to the less ambitious question of what men themselves show by their behavior to be the purpose and intention of their lives. What do they demand of life and wish to achieve in it? The answer to this can hardly be in doubt. They strive for happiness; they want to become happy and to remain so. This endeavor has two sides, a positive and a negative aim. It aims, on the one hand, at an absence of pain and unpleasure, and, on the other, at the experiencing of strong feelings of pleasure. In its narrower sense the word 'happiness' only relates to the last. In conformity with this dichotomy in his aims, man's activity develops in two directions, according as it seeks to realize — in the main, or even exclusively — the one or the other of these aims.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humans pursue happiness, seeking both pain‑free existence and intense pleasure, shaping their life's purpose.
In simple terms: People want happiness, avoiding pain and seeking pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Balance pleasure with pain avoidance.
Themes
happiness
human motivation
dualism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal goals
- mental health
- life planning
- well‑being strategies
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does happiness mean to you?
- How do you balance pleasure and avoidance?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring pain may lead to neglect of necessary growth.