"I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them"
- John Stuart Mill
About this Quote
John Stuart Mill's quote motivates us to discover happiness by managing our desires, instead of attempting to meet them. He suggests that by limiting our desires, we can find contentment and delight. This concept is based upon the principle of moderation, which recommends that too much of anything can be detrimental. By managing our desires, we can avoid the mistakes of overindulgence and instead focus on what really brings us joy. Mill's quote also implies that our desires can be a source of unhappiness if we are unable to fulfill them. By restricting our desires, we can prevent the disappointment of unmet expectations and rather focus on what we can attain. Ultimately, Mill's quote encourages us to find joy by managing our desires and concentrating on what we can achieve.
"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"