--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Perhaps it is our obligation to be noble…" description: "\"Perhaps it is our obligation to be noble before it is our obligation to be happy.\" — Kathleen McGowan" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96c/kathleen-mcgowan-22129_happiness_perhaps-it-is-our-obligation-to-be-noble_1564978.jpg" --- # Perhaps it is our obligation to be noble before it is our… ![“Perhaps it is our obligation to be noble before it is our obligation to be happy.” quote by Kathleen McGowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96c/kathleen-mcgowan-22129_happiness_perhaps-it-is-our-obligation-to-be-noble_1564978.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96c/kathleen-mcgowan-22129_happiness_perhaps-it-is-our-obligation-to-be-noble_1564978.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/96c/kathleen-mcgowan-22129_happiness_perhaps-it-is-our-obligation-to-be-noble_1564978.jpg) > “Perhaps it is our obligation to be noble before it is our obligation to be happy.” [Kathleen McGowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathleen-mcgowan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. One should prioritize moral excellence before seeking personal happiness, suggesting virtue precedes pleasure. **In simple terms:** Prioritize virtue before happiness. Key Takeaway Seek nobility first. Themes ethics philosophy well‑being Mood thoughtful reflective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal development - leadership training - community service Key Concepts virtue ethics eudaimonia moral duty Questions to Reflect On - What does being noble mean to you? - Can happiness be achieved without virtue? A Different Perspective Happiness may be elusive without a solid moral foundation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Noble](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/noble/) [Obligation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obligation/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) ## Related quotes > [Not only do we have a right to be happy, we have an obligation to be happy because our happiness has an effect on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/not-only-do-we-have-a-right-to-be-happy-we-have-an-obligation-to-be/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I believe as musicians and artists we have an obligation to our souls. What that is? Only each one of us knows. 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