"Joy is a subtle elf; I think one's happiest when he forgets himself"

In the quote "Joy is a subtle elf; I think one's happiest when he forgets himself", Cyril Tourneur uses a poetic reflection on the nature of happiness and self-awareness. The metaphor of pleasure as a "subtle fairy" suggests that happiness is elusive and delicate, just like a fairy from folklore who moves quietly, typically unseen, and works in gentle, mystical methods. The subtlety implies that happiness is not something that can be grasped or held onto forcibly; rather, it requires a level of openness and receptivity.

The second part of the quote, "I think one's happiest when he forgets himself", recommends that true happiness originates from going beyond self-absorption and ego. When one forgets oneself, they are fully engaged in the moment, absorbed in their environment, relationships, or activities. This act of self-forgetting can be understood as a type of mindfulness or flow, where the boundaries of the self liquify, enabling a person to enter into something greater.

Tourneur's insight points towards the paradoxical nature of happiness: it frequently comes when we are not actively pursuing it. By stepping away from self-reflection and the continuous assessment of our desires and achievements, we can experience minutes of pure delight. This viewpoint lines up with numerous philosophical and spiritual traditions that advocate for selflessness as a path to fulfillment.

Additionally, the concept of forgetting oneself can likewise be viewed as a call to compassion and connection. When we move our focus from our own concerns and open ourselves to others, we often find a sense of function and satisfaction. In moments of deep connection with others or with the world around us, the weight of our individual stress and anxieties is lifted, and happiness can silently enter our lives, much like that subtle fairy. Hence, Tourneur encapsulates the idea that joy is both a present and a practice, found in the fragile balance of living beyond oneself.