Skip to content

Happiness Quote by Thomas Bernhard

“FLEISCHMANN: How are you feeling at the moment? BERNHARD: Extremely content, I have to say. The water's splashing, the sun is shining; simple Spaniards and Englishmen who can't be understood [are talking]—an ideal constellation. But it won't last long. All of a sudden the whole thing is struck by…” quote by Thomas Bernhard
Download Open image
““FLEISCHMANN: How are you feeling at the moment? BERNHARD: Extremely content, I have to say. The water's splashing, the sun is shining; simple Spaniards and Englishmen who can't be understood [are talking]—an ideal constellation. But it won't last long. All of a sudden the whole thing is struck by a bolt of lightning that destroys it completely. But perhaps today it’ll last all the way through till night; anything’s possible. Occasionally everything’s nice for a couple of days at a stretch. —Thomas Bernhard Interviewed by Krista Fleischmann ””

Thomas Bernhard

About This Quote

Source Interview: Literary Conversation, 1990

The fleeting nature of happiness is highlighted, suggesting moments of contentment are temporary and fragile.

In simple terms: Happiness is brief and fragile.

Key Takeaway

Cherish moments while they last.

Themes

philosophy existentialism impermanence

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • daily life
  • artistic creation
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

human condition temporal experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find balance in fleeting joy?
  • Can acceptance of transience improve resilience?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on impermanence may cause anxiety.

3.6 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Thomas Bernhard

Explore all 96 Thomas Bernhard quotes

More Happiness quotes

Browse all 40,378 Happiness quotes