"Happiness is a mystery, like religion, and should never be rationalised"
- Gilbert K. Chesterton
About this Quote
This quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton recommends that joy and faith are both mystical and ought to not be rationalised. Joy is something that can not be easily explained or comprehended, and it is something that is distinct to each individual. Likewise, religion is something that is frequently challenging to discuss and comprehend, and it is something that is deeply individual to each person. Chesterton is recommending that both happiness and religious beliefs should be respected and accepted without attempting to rationalize them. He is suggesting that we must accept them for what they are and not try to discuss them away. He is suggesting that we ought to appreciate the mystery of both happiness and religious beliefs and not try to make sense of them.
"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"