"Happiness consists in activity. It is running steam, not a stagnant pool"
- Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
About this Quote
This quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes is stressing the value of activity in attaining joy. He is recommending that joy is not something that can be accomplished by merely sitting still and waiting on it to come. Instead, it is something that needs to be actively pursued. He compares joy to a running steam, which is continuously in motion and never stagnant. This suggests that in order to be happy, one must be continuously aiming and working towards something. This might suggest taking on brand-new difficulties, finding out new skills, or merely engaging in activities that bring happiness. Eventually, this quote is encouraging us to do something about it and be proactive in our pursuit of happiness.
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
