"All people desire what they believe will make them happy. If a person is not full of desire for God, we can only conclude that he is engaged with another happiness"

In this thought-provoking quote, William Law explores the intrinsic human quest for happiness and its supreme fulfillment in the divine. Central to Law's assertion is the concept that human desires are essentially oriented towards what individuals perceive will bring them joy. This is not just a nonreligious pursuit; rather, it links deeply to spiritual measurements. Law implies that the ultimate and most profound type of happiness is found in union with God. Therefore, if an individual does not express a desire for God, it recommends they are currently occupied with alternative sources of happiness.

At its core, Law's statement reflects a doctrinal and philosophical viewpoint. From a theological viewpoint, the desire for God can be seen as an inherent pursuit of the supreme good, reality, and charm that numerous spiritual customs recognize as important attributes of the divine. To desire God, in this sense, is to look for satisfaction, purpose, and the truest form of satisfaction.

From a philosophical angle, the notion that all people want happiness aligns with the Aristotelian belief in eudaimonia-- or growing-- as the greatest human good. For Law, such flourishing is inseparable from a relationship with God.

Law's declaration also discreetly examines human nature's complexities, suggesting that desires for worldly, temporal enjoyments can typically obscure the much deeper yearning for the divine. In the hustle of modern-day life, individuals may seek fulfillment in profession achievements, relationships, product wealth, or sensory satisfaction, but these are depicted as simple diversions if they pull one away from the magnificent pursuit.

Furthermore, Law's reflection can provoke introspection, advising individuals to think about the objects of their desires and whether they genuinely cause fulfillment. It likewise raises concerns about the nature of joy and whether complete fulfillment can ever be found outside a spiritual structure. Therefore, William Law challenges readers to assess their desires and possibly reconsider their sources of joy, directing them toward a more profound, spiritual satisfaction.