"Happiness is spiritual, born of truth and love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it"

Mary Baker Eddy explores the nature of happiness as an inherently spiritual experience, drawing a direct line between happiness and the virtues of truth and love. She elevates happiness beyond a fleeting emotional state or a response to material conditions, situating it as something rooted in the higher qualities of existence. Truth and love, both central to spiritual life, cultivate a happiness that is deep, substantial, and lasting. Such happiness is not about personal gratification or isolated joy but arises from a connection with ideals greater than oneself.

To characterize happiness as “unselfish” emphasizes that true happiness transcends the boundaries of ego and individuality. It cannot be hoarded or possessed by a single person. The unselfishness inherent in happiness means that its richest form is not found when sought solely for personal gain, but comes naturally when extended toward others. When love and truth inspire actions and relationships, happiness becomes a shared experience, multiplying rather than dividing as it flows from person to person.

Moreover, Eddy’s assertion that happiness "cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it", challenges the notion of private fulfillment. Happiness is collective and communal in its very nature. This viewpoint suggests that the advancement and welfare of others contribute directly to one’s own joy. The spiritual foundation of happiness dissolves self-imposed walls, drawing us toward acts of kindness, understanding, and unity. As individuals seek truth and express love, happiness radiates outward, creating a network of shared well-being.

Ultimately, Eddy prompts a shift from self-centered pursuits to a broader vision of happiness as a universal good. Life becomes richer and more meaningful as people acknowledge their interconnectedness, recognizing that real joy grows as it is shared. By embracing truth and love, humanity becomes both the giver and receiver of happiness, uplifting the whole through each act of unselfishness.