In this great quote Emerson was suggesting that happiness is not the ultimate goal of an individuals life. Instead, he believed that a meaningful life is one that is characterized by usefulness, honor, and compassion towards others. He believed that we should strive to make a positive impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy that will benefit others long after we are gone.
In essence, Emerson was advocating for a life of purpose and meaning, rather than one focused solely on personal happiness or pleasure. In the long run this is what will bring us happiness.
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Recent Quotes
Some people love comfort other than others. I look at going to the gym as a comparison. Some people can handle the pain better than others. While one person sweats furiously to get that last set in,...
Everybody wants to be happy. As a kid growing up I imagined different careers and paths in my future, and the ones that appealed to me most were the ones I thought would make me happy. My Mom and...