Famous quote by Stendhal

Mobile Desktop
To describe happiness is to diminish it
Like

"To describe happiness is to diminish it"

- Stendhal

About this Quote

This quote by Stendhal speaks with the idea that happiness is something that is finest knowledgeable and felt, rather than described. It recommends that the act of attempting to describe or define happiness can eliminate from its real essence. This is since language is limited and can not completely catch the complexity of emotions. For that reason, trying to describe joy can lead to a reduction of its power and appeal.

The quote also indicates that happiness is something that is distinct to each individual. Everyone experiences and perceives happiness differently, therefore it is difficult to accurately describe it in a manner that catches its true essence. It is something that is best experienced and felt, instead of discussed.

Overall, this quote by Stendhal talks to the idea that joy is something that is finest experienced and felt, instead of described. It recommends that the act of attempting to describe or define happiness can take away from its real essence, which it is something that is special to each person.

About the Author

France Flag This quote is written / told by Stendhal between January 23, 1783 and March 23, 1842. He/she was a famous Writer from France. The author also have 38 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

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: 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
Small: Action may not always bring happiness but there is no happiness without action - Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli
"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action"
Benjamin Disraeli, Statesman
Small: Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it - Jean Antoine Petit-Senn
"Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it"
Jean Antoine Petit-Senn, Poet
Small: Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances - Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
"Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances"
Benjamin Franklin, Politician
Small: Happiness does not consist in pastimes and amusements but in virtuous activities - Aristotle
Aristotle
"Happiness does not consist in pastimes and amusements but in virtuous activities"
Aristotle, Philosopher
Small: Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory - Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer
"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory"
Albert Schweitzer, Theologian
Small: The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts therefore guard accordingly - Marcus Aure
Marcus Aurelius
"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts; therefore guard accordingly"
Marcus Aurelius, Soldier
Small: There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something - He
Henry Ford
"There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something"
Henry Ford, Businessman
Small: The rays of happiness, like those of light, are colorless when unbroken - Henry W. Longfellow
Henry W. Longfellow
"The rays of happiness, like those of light, are colorless when unbroken"
Henry W. Longfellow, Poet