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