13 Quotes On Happiness To Boost Your Mood

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

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.