Selected Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Where does the quote, attributed to Emerson, "The purpose of life is not to be happy," appear?

The rest of the quote is, "It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have made some difference that you have lived and lived well".

Asked by Miramichier on 12 May 07:17

Last updated by Cat on 17 Jul 23:25

1 Answers

Answered by Cat on 17 Jul 23:25

The quote implies that chasing happiness is an empty prospect. Life is hard so making a difference for someone else or easing his or her burden in some way is preferable to chasing personal happiness.