Bears Quote by Vikram Chandra
“Ask him why there are hypocrites in the world.' 'Because it is hard to bear the happiness of others.' 'When are we happy?' 'When we desire nothing and realize that possession is only momentary, and so are forever playing.' 'What is regret?' 'To realize that one has spent one's life worrying about the future.' 'What is sorrow?' 'To long for the past.' 'What is the highest pleasure?' 'To hear a good story.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Storytelling, Vikram Chandra, 2015
The dialogue explores how desire, possession, and future worries cause unhappiness, while simplicity, acceptance, and storytelling bring pleasure.
In simple terms: Desire and future worries cause sorrow; simplicity and stories bring joy.
Key Takeaway
Seek simplicity and cherish stories for happiness.
Themes
happiness
desire
simplicity
storytelling
philosophy
mindfulness
Mood
contemplative
calm
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- therapy
- creative writing
- mindful living
- teaching philosophy
Key Concepts
attachment
regret
sorrow
pleasure
story
narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- What possessions truly matter to you?
- How can you practice simplicity daily?
A Different Perspective
The advice may overlook structural societal pressures that affect happiness.
![“[I]n the last resort, man should not ask "What is the meaning of my life?" but should realize that he himself is being questioned. Life is putting its problems to him, and it is up to him to respond to these questions by being responsible; he can only answer to life by answering for his life.” quote by Viktor E. Frankl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/317/viktor-e-frankl-668_answer-to-life_i-n-the-last-resort-man-should-not-ask-w_3030145.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
