Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, And in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own. Not in the morning alone, not only at mid-day he charmeth; Even at setting, the sun is still the same glorious planet.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A happy man values others’ merits and shares in their joy as if it were his own.
- In plain terms
- Joy comes from appreciating and sharing others’ successes.
- What can you take from it?
- Find happiness by celebrating others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you be happy without personal achievement?
- How do you balance empathy and self‑care?
Another view
It may ignore personal needs and boundaries.
More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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