The Many Faces of Happiness

Here are a few thoughts on what makes for a happy life. On page 38, we explore this topic in-depth, including nine strategies to be happier.

“In African villages, one would ask in greeting, ‘How are we?’ This understanding sees that someone else’s achievements or happiness is in a very real way our own.”

Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa, in 14th Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World (2016).

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion; and if you want yourself to be happy, practice compassion.”

Dalai Lama, in Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living (2009).

“Without good thoughts there is no peace, and without peace there is no happiness.”

Mahatma Gandhi, The Selected Works of Mahatma Gandhi: The Voice of Truth (1968).

“Happiness is the purpose and design of existence. ‘Men are, that they might have joy’ [2 Nephi 2:25]. Virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping the commandments of God lead to a happy life.”

President David O. McKay, Pathways to Happiness (1964).

“It is not happiness that makes us grateful. It’s gratefulness that makes us happy.”

David Steindl-Rast, Catholic Benedictine monk, “Want to Be Happy? Be Grateful,” TEDGlobal 2013 (video), June 2013, ted.com.