Giving and receiving Quote by Mary Balogh
““Sometimes, one yearns for something.For the ultimate in happiness. I yearn for it,and don't know where to look for it any longer. And I don't know if I would recognize it if I found it. And the longer I look, the more selfish I grow.For I think only of my own happiness. i think I have lost the ability to make someone else happy. If I ever had it. And I suppose we can never be happy unless we can also give happiness.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Love & Other Words by Mary Balogh, 1998
The quote reflects a yearning for ultimate happiness while recognizing that true fulfillment involves giving happiness to others, not just seeking personal joy.
In simple terms: Happiness requires both receiving and giving.
Key Takeaway
Seek joy through helping others.
Themes
happiness
selfishness
giving
self‑realization
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
melancholic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- volunteering
- mental health
- spiritual growth
Key Concepts
altruism
existential longing
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you identify ways you can give joy today?
- What does happiness look like when shared?
A Different Perspective
Happiness cannot be sustained if it is purely self‑focused.
