Happiness Quote by Paul Laurence Dunbar
“This, this indeed is to be accursed, For if we mortals love, or if we sing, We count our joys not by what we have, But by what kept us from that perfect thing.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Song of the Old Mother" (1900)
Human joy is measured not by possessions but by what we avoid losing, highlighting longing for an ideal.
In simple terms: Joy comes from what we don't lose, not what we have.
Key Takeaway
Value intangible aspirations.
Themes
longing
loss
idealism
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- artistic creation
- personal fulfillment
Key Concepts
nostalgia
comparative happiness
valuation
Questions to Reflect On
- What "perfect thing" do you pursue?
- How do you balance desire and contentment?
A Different Perspective
Ideal may be unattainable, causing frustration.
