Happiness quote by Albert Schweitzer

Mobile Desktop
In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet
Like

"In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet"

- Albert Schweitzer

About this Quote

Albert Schweitzer’s reflection, “In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet,” speaks to humanity’s perpetual tendency toward seeking distant, ambitious goals while overlooking the simple beauty present in everyday life. The imagery conjures the grandeur of grand aspirations—reaching the moon symbolizes lofty dreams, ambitions, and achievements that are often placed on a pedestal. Schweitzer suggests that in this relentless pursuit, people often become so fixated on their objectives that they overlook the treasures and joy nestled within their immediate surroundings.

The contrast between the moon and the flowers is deliberate; one is cold, distant, and emblematic of ultimate achievement, the other is warm, accessible, and fleeting. Flowers at one’s feet symbolize opportunities for appreciation, gratitude, and contentment that are close at hand, requiring only a mindful pause and openness of heart. Yet, preoccupation with monumental goals can cause blindness to these readily accessible sources of happiness and fulfillment. Life, Schweitzer implies, is filled with small, often unnoticed wonders that can bring profound joy if we only take the time to notice them.

On a deeper level, the statement serves as a critique of modern culture’s obsession with progress, productivity, and constant striving outward or upward. The ceaseless chase for future success can overshadow present moments, relationships, and the natural world’s quiet miracles. It’s not an argument against ambition or the drive to achieve, but a gentle reminder to maintain balance; achievement should not come at the expense of neglecting the beauty and goodness that exist in the present moment. To truly live well, one must cultivate awareness and appreciation—not just for where one wants to go, but for where one presently stands, and the beauty, both simple and profound, that blooms along the path.

About the Author

Albert Schweitzer This quote is written / told by Albert Schweitzer between January 14, 1875 and September 4, 1965. He was a famous Theologian from Germany, the quote is categorized under the topic Happiness. The author also have 59 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom - An
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom"
Anais Nin, Author
Small: Trust dies but mistrust blossoms - Sophocles
Sophocles
"Trust dies but mistrust blossoms"
Sophocles, Author
Small: Bee to the blossom, moth to the flame Each to his passion whats in a name? - Helen Hunt Jackson
"Bee to the blossom, moth to the flame; Each to his passion; what's in a name?"
Helen Hunt Jackson, Writer
Small: Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul - Henry Ward Beecher
Henry Ward Beecher
"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul"
Henry Ward Beecher, Clergyman
Small: Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit - Kahlil Gibran
Kahlil Gibran
"Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit"
Kahlil Gibran, Poet
Small: Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn - Walter Scott
"Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn"
Walter Scott, Novelist
Small: Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the oppor
"Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so"
Doris Lessing, Writer
Small: Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom - M
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom"
Marcel Proust, Author
Small: You dont see a lot of difference between the Gin Blossoms and the Byrds - Steve Forbert
"You don't see a lot of difference between the Gin Blossoms and the Byrds"
Steve Forbert, Musician
Small: Lord save us all from a hope tree that has lost the faculty of putting out blossoms - Mark Twain
Mark Twain
"Lord save us all from a hope tree that has lost the faculty of putting out blossoms"
Mark Twain, Author