To be content with life - or to live merrily, rather - all that is required is that we bestow on all things only a fleeting, superficial glance; the more thoughtful we become the more earnest we grow.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Happiness comes from taking things lightly; deep thought leads to seriousness.
- In plain terms
- Looking at things lightly makes you happier.
- What can you take from it?
- Seriousness often reduces joy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is ignorance bliss?
- How deeply should you look?
Another view
Depth is valuable for other reasons.
More from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
The sure conviction that we could if we wanted to is the reason so many good minds are idle.
Permalink to quote #97 It is almost everywhere the case that soon after it is begotten the greater part of human wisdom is laid to rest in repositories.
Permalink to quote #99 Man is to be found in reason, God in the passions.
Permalink to quote #96
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