"Happiness is perfume, you can't pour it on somebody else without getting a few drops on yourself"
- James Van Der Zee
About this Quote
This quote by James Van Der Zee is a reminder that joy is something that is shared. It is not something that can be given to someone else without likewise experiencing it yourself. Joy resembles a fragrance, it is something that is shared and experienced by both the provider and the receiver. It is something that is contagious and can spread from one person to another. The quote is also a tip that when we are trying to make another person happy, we should also be mindful of our own happiness. We need to not forget to look after ourselves and ensure that we are also experiencing joy and satisfaction. By taking care of ourselves and making sure that we are happy, we can then spread out that happiness to others.
"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"
