Skip to content

Christianity Quote by Robert Louis Stevenson

“In his own life, then, a man is not to expect happiness, only to profit by it gladly when it shall arise; he is on duty here; he knows not how or why, and does not need to know; he knows not for what hire, and must not ask. Somehow or other, though he does not know what goodness is, he must try to…” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
Download Open image
““In his own life, then, a man is not to expect happiness, only to profit by it gladly when it shall arise; he is on duty here; he knows not how or why, and does not need to know; he knows not for what hire, and must not ask. Somehow or other, though he does not know what goodness is, he must try to be good; somehow or other, though he cannot tell what will do it, he must try to give happiness to others.””

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

Source Book: *The Merry Men* by Robert Louis Stevenson, 1882

Life offers happiness unpredictably; we should accept it gratefully and strive to spread joy despite not understanding its source.

In simple terms: Accept happiness and share it, even without full understanding.

Key Takeaway

Embrace joy and give it to others.

Themes

happiness duty goodness

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • relationships
  • community service

Key Concepts

gratitude altruism existential acceptance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you cultivate gratitude for unexpected joy?
  • What small acts can spread happiness today?
A Different Perspective

Happiness may be fleeting and its purpose unclear.

2.2 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Robert Louis Stevenson

Explore all 701 Robert Louis Stevenson quotes

More Christianity quotes

Browse all 14,385 Christianity quotes