"Happiness resides not in posessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul"
- Democritus
About this Quote
This quote by Democritus, a Greek thinker, stresses the concept that joy can not be attained through material possessions or wealth. He recommends that real happiness originates from within, from the sensation or state of one's soul.
Democritus thought in the importance of nurturing the soul through virtues such as knowledge, nerve, and self-control. He argued that a truly happy person is one who has actually cultivated these virtues and is at peace with their inner self.
In essence, Democritus is calling attention to the reality that the pursuit of material things typically causes disappointment and a sense of incompleteness. Real happiness, according to him, is found in the satisfaction of one's being, regardless of external scenarios.
In general, this quote encourages individuals to focus on the development of their inner selves and to seek happiness from within, instead of from external aspects such as belongings or wealth.
"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"
