"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits"
- Thomas Jefferson
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Jefferson speaks with the concept that our biggest happiness does not come from the circumstances of our lives, however rather from our own actions and choices. He suggests that having an excellent conscience, good health, significant profession, and the liberty to pursue our goals are the keys to real joy. He implies that our external conditions are not as important as our internal state of being. He encourages us to take duty for our own happiness and to pursue a life of purpose and fulfillment. This quote works as a suggestion that we have the power to produce our own joy, no matter our external scenarios.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"