Happiness Quote by Thomas Merton
““Because there is happiness only where there is coordination with the Truth, the Reality, the Act that underlies and directs all things to their essential and accidental perfections: and that is the will of God. There is only one happiness: to please Him. Only one sorrow, to be displeasing to Him, to refuse Him something, to turn away from Him, even in the slightest thing, even in thought, in a half-willed movement of appetite: in these things and these alone, is sorrow, in so far as they imply separation, or the beginning, the possibility of separation from Him Who is our life and all our joy. And since God is a Spirit, and infinitely above all matter and all creation, the only complete union possible, between ourselves and Him, is in the order of intention: a union of wills and intellects, in love, charity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, 1948
True happiness comes from aligning one's will and actions with divine truth; sorrow arises from any separation from God.
In simple terms: Happiness = unity with God; sorrow = separation.
Key Takeaway
Seek alignment with divine purpose.
Themes
spirituality
theology
purpose
will
love
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- prayer
- ethical decision making
- serving others
- cultivating love
Key Concepts
Divine will
union of intellect and heart
charity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure alignment with your higher purpose?
- What small actions reflect love for the divine?
A Different Perspective
Human frailty can hinder true alignment despite intention.
