Happiness consists in activity; it is a running stream, not a stagnant pool.
John Mason Good
MEANING OF THIS QUOTE
Happiness is one of the most beautiful emotions known to human beings. It is the state of being happy or content with the way things are in our lives. Despite its seemingly straightforward definition, happiness remains one of the hardest feelings to attain and sustain. And that is all down to the ignorance of the most important question of all: how to be happy?
By its very nature, happiness is all about activity. You wouldn’t expect someone stagnant in their life to be happy, at least not in the true sense of the word. This is because movement is essential to leading a meaningful life. When we think of happiness, our mind often takes us back to the joyful moments that came to be as a result of our actions, rather than the stillness of inactivity.
DOES THIS MEAN WE SHOULD ALWAYS KEEP OURSELVES BUSY?
Depending on how you see it, yes and no. If to you being busy means turning into a workaholic with scant regard for personal preferences or social time, then that sort of activity would do more harm than good to your mental well-being. Remember, excess of everything is bad – and activity is no exception to that. Never taking a break from work is like suggesting you cannot stop the car to get gas. On the other hand, being inactive all the time is equally detrimental to your pursuit of happiness. Lying down on the couch while binging on chocolate or popcorn might amuse you for a little while, but it will only compromise your mental – and physical – health in the long run.
CONCLUSION
It is all about we define the word ‘activity’. If you see it as the constant, mindless pursuit of your goals, then such activity is bound to bog you down sooner or later. The key is to mix it up with the right amount of time spent with family and friends, pursuing one’s hobbies, and taking good rest. This constant flow of memories and experiences is the very essence of happiness.
John Mason Good was an English author. Known for his insightful writings on medical and classical themes, Good once wrote: “Happiness consists in activity; it is a running stream, not a stagnant pool.”