Happiness: a much revered emotion that humankind aspires to, but can’t always attain. The third Monday of January has been dubbed Blue Monday, and is widely thought to be the most depressing day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. To combat this, Culture Trip has found 13 quotes on happiness dating from 400 BC to the 21st century, proving that the pursuit of happiness is timeless. With wise words from Chinese philosopher Zhuang Zhou, to 19th century President Abraham Lincoln, we can’t promise these quotes will bring you the answer, but they’re sure to give you some positive affirmations to help you make it through the darkest month of the year.
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius
“Men always forget that human happiness is a disposition of mind and not a condition of circumstances.” – John Locke
“Action may not bring happiness but there is no happiness without action.” – William James
“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Gautama Buddha
“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” – Socrates
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu
“Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.” – Henry David Thoreau
“The ultimate happiness is doing nothing.” – Zhuangzi
“Some people cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go.” – Oscar Wilde
“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” – Elbert Hubbard
“Most people are about as happy as they make their mind up to be.” – Abraham Lincoln
“The key to happiness is letting each situation be what it is instead of what you think it should be.” – Mandy Hale
“Don’t waste a minute not being happy. If one door closes, run to the next window – or break down a door.” – Brooke Shields
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