--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The only appropriate state of mind is…" description: "\"“The only appropriate state of mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of heart is joy.”\" — Terry Prachett" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fde/terry-prachett-80423_happiness_the-only-appropriate-state-of-mind-is-su_3108879.jpg" --- # The only appropriate state of mind is surprise. The only… ![“The only appropriate state of mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of heart is joy.” quote by Terry Prachett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fde/terry-prachett-80423_happiness_the-only-appropriate-state-of-mind-is-su_3108879.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fde/terry-prachett-80423_happiness_the-only-appropriate-state-of-mind-is-su_3108879.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fde/terry-prachett-80423_happiness_the-only-appropriate-state-of-mind-is-su_3108879.jpg) > ““The only appropriate state of mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of heart is joy.”” Terry Prachett ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Advocates that surprise and joy are the ideal mental states for navigating life **In simple terms:** Surprise and joy are the best mindsets Key Takeaway Seek novelty and happiness daily Themes mindset emotion philosophy Mood playful optimistic Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - daily routines - creative work - problem solving - stress management - education Key Concepts positive psychology existentialism Questions to Reflect On - How can you cultivate lasting joy? - When is surprise counterproductive? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on positivity can ignore necessary caution; surprise may be fleeting ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/joy/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [State of mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/state-of-mind/) [Surprise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surprise/) ## Related quotes > [The universe is, instant by instant, recreated anew. There is in truth no past, only a memory of the past. 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It cannot be purchased, it must be created.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-hill/a-state-of-mind-is-something-that-one-assumes-it-cannot-be-purchased/) [Napoleon Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-hill/) > [The state of mind which I put myself when I tell a story is one in which superstition flourishes very easily. And I welcome…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-pullman/the-state-of-mind-which-i-put-myself-when-i-tell-a-story-is-one-in/) [Philip Pullman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-pullman/) ## More by Terry Prachett > [“Whut's the plan, Rob?" said one of them. "OK lads, this is what we'll do. 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