Joy Quote by Kazuo Shiguro
““After a while, I seated myself amidst the wild grass growing along the ridge and went on gazing at Mori-san’s villa. I had bought some oranges at a stall by the village station, and taking these from my kerchief, I began to eat them one by one. And it was as I sat there, looking down at the villa, enjoying the taste of those fresh oranges, that that deep sense of triumph and satisfaction began to rise within me. It is hard to describe the feeling, for it was quite different from the sort of elation one feels from smaller triumphs – and, as I say, quite different from anything I had experienced during the celebrations at the Migi-Hidari. It was a profound sense of happiness deriving from the conviction that one’s efforts have been justified; that the hard work undertaken, the doubts overcome, have all been worthwhile; that one has achieved something of real value and distinction. I did not go any further towards the villa that day – it seemed quite pointless. I simply continued to sit there for an hour or so, in deep contentment, eating my oranges.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, 1989
A deep, lasting happiness comes from recognizing that one's hard work has produced something valuable and meaningful beyond immediate celebration.
In simple terms: Hard work yields lasting satisfaction.
Recognize and savor genuine achievement.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career milestones
- creative projects
- personal reflection
- gratitude practice
- celebrating small victories
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What achievement feels most validating to you?
- How can you honor effort beyond the result?
Sustained joy may fade without continued purpose.