Activity Quote by Josef Pieper
““Here we must take account of one of St. Thomas's conceptual distinctions, which at first seems like unnecessary caviling. It is the distinction between "uncreated" and "created" happiness. We have here something which, while not at all obvious, is nevertheless fraught with consequences for our whole feeling about life. Namely, this: what does indeed make us happy is the infinite and uncreated richness of God; but participation in this, happiness itself, is entirely a "creatural" reality governed from within by our humanity; it is not something that descends overwhelmingly upon us from outside. That is, it is not only something that happens to us; we ourselves are intensely active participants in our own happiness. Beatitude - Thomas is saying - cannot possibly be conceived as a merely objective condition of sheer existence. It is not a mere quality, not pure passivity, not simply a feeling. It is something that takes place in the alert core of the mind... Happiness is an act and an activity of the soul.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Four Cardinal Virtues, Josef Pieper, 1955
True happiness comes from an active, internal participation in divine richness, not merely passive reception.
In simple terms: Happiness is an active, internal experience.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner participation in joy.
Themes
spirituality
ethics
human nature
purpose
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- community service
- creative expression
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you actively engage in your happiness?
- What internal resources support this activity?
A Different Perspective
Active participation may be limited by external circumstances.
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