"To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness"
- Bertrand Russell
About this Quote
This quote by Bertrand Russell talks to the concept that real happiness is not found in material possessions or the acquisition of things. Rather, it is discovered in the acceptance of what we have and the understanding that we do not need to have everything we desire in order to be happy. Russell suggests that the ability to be material without having all of our desires satisfied is an essential part of being truly happy. He implies that if we are able to value what we have and be grateful for it, then we can discover delight and satisfaction in our lives. This quote encourages us to acknowledge that having whatever we desire is not needed for us to be happy, which it is possible to find joy and complete satisfaction in life without having all of our desires fulfilled.
"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"