Famous quote by John Burroughs

Mobile Desktop
I have discovered the secret of happiness - it is work, either with the hands or the head. The moment I have something t
Like

"I have discovered the secret of happiness - it is work, either with the hands or the head. The moment I have something to do, the draughts are open and my chimney draws, and I am happy"

- John Burroughs

About this Quote

John Burroughs' quote speaks to the idea that work is the essential to happiness. He suggests that it does not matter if the work is done with the hands or the head, as long as it is something that needs to be done. He suggests that when he has something to do, he is able to focus and be efficient, and this in turn brings him happiness. This idea is supported by the imagery of the draughts being open and the chimney drawing, which suggests that he has the ability to be efficient and effective. This quote talks to the concept that when we are productive and have something to do, we have the ability to discover happiness and complete satisfaction in our work. It is a pointer that work can be a source of joy, and that it is essential to find something that we are passionate about which brings us delight.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by John Burroughs between April 3, 1837 and March 29, 1921. He/she was a famous Author from USA. The author also have 28 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: w
Lao Tzu
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves"
Lao Tzu, Author
Small: Talent in cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of
Stephen King
"Talent in cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work"
Stephen King, Author
Small: I feel happy to terrify kids - R. L. Stine
R. L. Stine
"I feel happy to terrify kids"
R. L. Stine, Writer
Small: One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man - Elber
Elbert Hubbard
"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man"
Elbert Hubbard, Writer
Small: Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need - Voltaire
Voltaire
"Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need"
Voltaire, Writer
Small: The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today - Elbert Hubbard
Elbert Hubbard
"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today"
Elbert Hubbard, Writer
Small: I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my w
Frederick Sanger
"I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my work than anyone else by providing a peaceful and happy home"
Frederick Sanger, Scientist
Small: The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted
Plato
"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"
Plato, Philosopher
Small: It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity - Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi
"It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity"
Mahatma Gandhi, Leader
Small: Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling - Margaret Lee Runbeck
Margaret Lee Runbeck
"Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling"
Margaret Lee Runbeck, Author