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Full Idea
The highest perfection of intellectual nature lies in a careful and constant pursuit of true and solid happiness.
Gist of Idea
Pursuit of happiness is the highest perfection of intellectual nature
Source
John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 2.21.51)
Book Ref
Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.266
A Reaction
A nice remark, in which the word 'intellectual' is particularly interesting. Locke is inclined to equate happiness with pleasure and the absence of pain.