Happiest people Quote by Mikhail Lermontov
““I have an unfortunate character; whether it is my upbringing that made me like that or God who created me so, I do not know. I know only that if I cause unhappiness to others, I myself am no less happy. I realize this is poor consolation for them - but the fact remains that it is so. In my early youth, after leaving the guardianship of my parents, I plunged into all the pleasures money could buy, and naturally these pleasures grew distasteful to me. Then I went into high society, but soon enough grew tired of it; I fell in love with beautiful society women and was loved by them, but their love only aggravated my imagination and vanity while my heart remained desolate... I began to read and to study, but wearied of learning, too; I saw that neither fame nor happiness depended on it in the slightest, for the happiest people were the ignorant, and fame was a matter of luck, to achieve which you only had to be shrewd...””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unnamed, 1840
He confesses personal flaws and the futility of wealth, fame, and learning in achieving happiness.
In simple terms: Flaws and worldly pursuits fail to bring happiness.
Seek meaning beyond material and intellectual pursuits.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- wealth pursuit
- social climbing
- intellectual fatigue
- search for purpose
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly brings you contentment?
- Is ignorance truly bliss?
His pessimism may ignore the value of learning and relationships.