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Well, my greatest reward, I think, is that I've been able to build this wonderful organization. I've been able to enjoy good health, and the way I feel today, I feel like I can still go on being part of this thing after forty some odd years of business, and also, to have the public appreciate and accept what I've done all these years. That, that is a great reward. ... Well of course, happiness is a state of mind. You can be happy or you can be unhappy. It's just according to the way you look at things. You know. So I think happiness is contentment but it doesn't mean you have to have wealth. But all individuals are different. Some of us just wouldn't be satisfied with just carrying out a routine job and being happy. Yet I envied those people. I had a brother who I really envied because he was a mailman. But he's the one that had all the fun. He had himself a trailer, and he used to go out and go fishing, and he didn't worry about payrolls and stories and picture grosses or anything. And he was the happy one. I always said, 'He's the smart Disney.'

Walt Disney#6

WorkHappinessLegacyContentmentHealth

About this quote

What does it mean?
Disney finds reward in building his organization, staying healthy, and gaining public appreciation. He views happiness as a mental state independent of wealth.
In plain terms
He values his work, health, and public respect more than money for happiness.
What can you take from it?
Happiness comes from mindset, not material wealth.

Where it applies

  • career reflection
  • life evaluation
  • personal motivation

Putting it to work

  • focus on building
  • value health
  • appreciate public support

Questions to consider

  • What gives you a sense of reward?
  • How do you define happiness?

Another view

Not everyone can find contentment in routine jobs regardless of mindset.

More from Walt Disney

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  2. A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find s…

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  3. I suppose my formula might be: dream, diversify and never miss an angle.

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