Compulsion is not indeed the final appeal to man, but joy is. Any joy is everywhere; it is in the earth's green covering of grass; in the blue serenity of the sky; in the reckless exuberance of spring; in the severe abstinence of grey winter; in the living flesh that animates our bodily frame; in the perfect poise of the human figure, noble and upright; in living; in the exercise of all our powers; in the acquisition of knowledge; in fighting evils; in dying for gains we never can share. Joy is there everywhere; it is superfluous, unnecessary; nay, it very often contradicts the most peremptory behests of necessity. It exists to show that the bonds of law can only be explained by love; they are like body and soul. Joy is the realisation of the truth of oneness, the oneness of our soul with the world and of the world-soul with the supreme lover.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Joy is presented as a fundamental and pervasive force in existence, surpassing mere compulsion or necessity. It reveals a spiritual oneness between the soul, the world, and a supreme lover.
- In plain terms
- Joy is everywhere and proves that love binds the universe together more than laws do.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek joy in all aspects of life to connect with the deeper truth of unity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do you find joy in your daily life?
- How does joy relate to your sense of purpose?
Another view
The quote assumes a universal spiritual perspective that may not align with secular or materialist views.
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