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Single Idea 20180

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 2. Happiness / d. Routes to happiness]

Full Idea

A happy life must to a great extent be a quiet life, for it is only in an atmosphere of quiet that true joy can live.

Gist of Idea

A happy and joyous life must largely be a quiet life

Source

Bertrand Russell (The Conquest of Happiness [1930], 4)

A Reaction

Most people's image of happiness is absorption in an interesting task, or relaxing in good company. The idea that happiness is wild excitement exists, but is a minority view.

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'The Conquest of Happiness' [Unwin 1961], p.44