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Thus King Dolor's reign passed, year after year, long and prosperous. Whether he was happy - 'as happy as a king' - is a question no human being can decide. But I think he was, because he had the power of making everybody about him happy, and did it too; also because he was his godmother's godson, and could shut himself up with her whenever he liked, in that quiet little room in view of the Beautiful Mountains, which nobody else ever saw or cared to see. They were too far off, and the city lay so low. But there they were, all the time. No change ever came to them; and I think, at any day throughout his long reign, the King would sooner have lost his crown than have lost sight of the Beautiful Mountains. ~ Ch 10

Dinah Craik#54

HappinessMemoryContentmentLeadershipPower

About this quote

What does it mean?
Happiness may stem from inner peace and cherished private memories rather than external power.
In plain terms
A king finds joy in quiet memories, not just his crown.
What can you take from it?
Inner peace matters more than status.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • retirement
  • reflection

Putting it to work

  • cultivate private joys
  • revaluate sources of happiness

Questions to consider

  • What makes you truly happy?
  • Do you value privacy over status?

Another view

External power can bring genuine satisfaction.

More from Dinah Craik

  1. One cannot make oneself, but one can sometimes help a little in the making of somebody else. It is well. ~ Ch 10

    Permalink to quote #53
  2. Action is the parent of results; dormancy, the brooding mother of discontent.

    Permalink to quote #55
  3. It seemed as if she had given these treasures and left him alone - to use them or lose them, apply them or misapply them, according to his own choice. That is …

    Permalink to quote #52

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