Inspiring Quote by Alan Watts
“The more we struggle for life as pleasure, the more we are actually killing what we love.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Paradox of Pleasure, 1971
Chasing pleasure as a goal paradoxically destroys the very joy we seek.
In simple terms: Seeking pleasure can kill the pleasure itself.
Key Takeaway
Find joy in being, not in striving for pleasure.
Themes
philosophy
pleasure
paradox
Mood
thoughtful
serene
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- daily life
- spiritual practice
- creative work
Key Concepts
mindfulness
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does desire shape your experience of joy?
- Can you appreciate moments without expectation?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue pleasure is a natural drive.
![“As a woman, when you embrace where you are in life, then I think the struggle [life] isn't so hard. If you're 42 and still think you're an ingenue, then you've got a problem.” quote by Halle Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d2/halle-berry-2312_embrace_as-a-woman-when-you-embrace-where-you-ar_294531.jpg)
![“The human animal, like others, is adapted to a certain amount of struggle for life [and] the mere absence of effort from his life removes an essential ingredient of happiness. [. . .] He forgets that to be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/218/bertrand-russell-69_absence_the-human-animal-like-others-is-adapted_281043.jpg)
