
Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. — W. P. Kinsella
—What lingers after this line?
Definition of Success
This quote illustrates that success is about achieving your goals and desires. It implies a pursuit and attainment of specific objectives that you have set for yourself.
Concept of Happiness
Happiness, on the other hand, is described as being content with what you have. It focuses on appreciating and valuing your current circumstances and possessions.
Distinction Between Success and Happiness
The quote draws a clear distinction between the external achievements (success) and internal satisfaction (happiness). It suggests that one can achieve success without finding true happiness.
Interrelationship of Success and Happiness
It implies that true fulfillment comes not only from achieving your goals but also from finding joy in those achievements. Happiness is portrayed as the peaceful acceptance and enjoyment of what life has provided, whether or not it aligns with original desires.
Philosophical Perspective
From a philosophical standpoint, the quote touches on the themes of desire and contentment. It encourages an introspective look at one's life to understand that contentment can often be a more sustainable and enduring state than the continuous pursuit of success.
W. P. Kinsella’s Background
W. P. Kinsella, a Canadian author known for his books about baseball and Native American culture, often explored themes of desire, fulfillment, and the human condition in his writings. This quote reflects his literary focus on what it means to lead a meaningful life.
Recommended Reading
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
One-minute reflection
What feeling does this quote bring up for you?
Related Quotes
6 selectedThe secret of happiness is not always doing what you want, but always wanting what you do. - Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy
This quote redefines happiness as a state of contentment that comes from cultivating a positive attitude toward one's actions rather than always striving to do exactly what one desires.
Read full interpretation →The secret of happiness is not always doing what you want, but always wanting what you do. - Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy
This quote emphasizes the importance of finding contentment and acceptance in one's current circumstances. Happiness is derived not from always pursuing desires but from valuing and appreciating what one is already engag...
Read full interpretation →It's a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack. — Germany Kent
Germany Kent
Germany Kent’s quote begins with a simple but powerful observation: life changes when attention changes. Once a person starts noticing what is present, supportive, and meaningful, the mind gradually stops circling around...
Read full interpretation →The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. — E. M. Gray
E. M. Gray
E. M.
Read full interpretation →The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus. - Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee’s quote strips away the myth that success belongs only to the naturally gifted. Instead, he argues that the successful warrior is simply an average person who has learned to direct his energy with unusual preci...
Read full interpretation →Love the humble art you have learned and take rest in it. — Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius turns attention away from grand ambition and toward the quiet dignity of what one already knows how to do. In this brief line, he suggests that peace comes not from chasing endless recognition, but from l...
Read full interpretation →More From Author
More from W. P. Kinsella →