What disturbs and depresses young people is the hunt for happiness on the firm assumption that it must be met with in life. From this arises constantly deluded hope and so also dissatisfaction. Deceptive images of a vague happiness hover before us in our dreams ... and we search in vain for their original ... Much would have been gained if through timely advice and instruction young people could have had eradicated from their minds the erroneous notion that the world has a great deal to offer them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Chasing happiness as a fixed goal creates false hope and dissatisfaction; young people should be taught that the world offers little.
- In plain terms
- Pursuing a set idea of happiness leads to disappointment; teach realistic expectations.
- What can you take from it?
- Teach youth to release the illusion of guaranteed happiness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What realistic expectations can you set for yourself?
- How does society shape our happiness myths?
Another view
Overgeneralizes; many find fulfillment beyond material offers.
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We can regard our life as a uselessly disturbing episode in the blissful repose of nothingness.
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