"A person is never happy except at the price of some ignorance"
- Anatole France
About this Quote
Anatole France's quote recommends that in order to be happy, one have to agree to accept a specific level of lack of knowledge. This can mean that in order to be material, one have to want to forget specific facets of life that might be unpleasant or challenging to recognize. It can likewise suggest that in order to more than happy, one must agree to approve specific beliefs or concepts without doubt them. In either instance, the quote indicates that in order to be truly pleased, one should want to accept a specific level of lack of knowledge. This could be interpreted as a caution versus looking for excessive understanding, as it might lead to sadness. It can also be interpreted as a reminder to be material with what one has and also to not strive for greater than what is necessary. Ultimately, the quote recommends that in order to be truly delighted, one must agree to approve a particular degree of ignorance.
"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"
"Try to be happy in this present moment, and put not off being so to a time to come, as though that time should be of another make from this which has already come and is ours"
