"To be happy is only to have freed one's soul from the unrest of unhappiness"

Maurice Maeterlinck's quote, "To be delighted is only to have released one's soul from the unrest of misery", welcomes us to explore the nature of joy in its relation to unhappiness. In the beginning glance, Maeterlinck recommends that joy is not an external state to be pursued, but rather an internal freedom from the turmoil related to distress. This perspective moves the common paradigm that frequently sees joy as a destination or set of situations that need to be accomplished or obtained.

The phrase emphasizes the subjective experience of happiness and inner peace. By using the word "soul", Maeterlinck mentions a deep, intrinsic part of our being that requires release from various complaints, worries, or dissatisfaction. Unhappiness, in this context, is portrayed as a kind of uneasyness or worry that can capture the soul, preventing it from experiencing serenity and contentment. Therefore, happiness is seen not as something to be acquired, however as a natural state that emerges once the blockages of misery are removed.

This interpretation challenges the external pursuit of joy, rather promoting for self-questioning and self-awareness. It suggests that happiness grows from within by attending to and calming the internal contradictions and disputes that cause disharmony. Such a method lines up with many philosophical and spiritual mentors that highlight inner peace and the need to reconcile with oneself to achieve authentic joy.

Maeterlinck's insight motivates us to focus on solving our internal discord, maybe through mindfulness, acceptance, or personal growth, to restore the soul to its natural state of joy. In essence, he posits that joy is our default state, accessible once we go beyond the chaotic impacts of misery that disrupt our inner balance. This concept offers a more sustainable and long-lasting course to happiness, rooted in self-liberation instead of external pursuit.