Happiness quotation from Adam Smith.

“The consciousness, or even the suspicion, of having done wrong, is a load upon every mind, and is accompanied with anxiety and terror in all those who are not hardened by long habits of iniquity.” --Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments

That's why I've found that when I behave myself better, and manage to keep my resolutions, I feel happier. Knowing that I've lost my temper, failed to use good manners, behaved thoughtlessly, etc., makes me anxious, even as I'm making excuses for myself.

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Comments

[Alex Fayle]

I'm such a validation-hound that even the slightest whiff of having upset or angered someone and I'm a basket case. And like you, all they while that I'm praying that they'll forgive me, I'm tossing out reasons and excuses for why I did or said what I did.

My big life lesson is to find validation and happiness from within, not from without. It's a challenge some days, but I think I'm getting better at it.

Cheers,
Alex

PS Nice to know my years of iniquity hasn't hardened me.

[Mark W.]

"The consciousness, or even the suspicion, of having done wrong, is a load ..."

upon my mind and it affects my sleep. All the more reason to do right ... for other people and myself.

[Pete]

That is why doing right, and following what you are supposed too, is actually more personally beneficial then just something you are doing for everyone else's sake.

http://yinvsyang.com/

[Joanne]

Anxiety and worry are insidious. Doing right is its own reward. It never fails.

[Talli van Sunder, DPT]

I agree, if you do the right thing you are less likely to be anxious and worried. Being nice and respectful to others is always the way to go. Love the qoute!

[John]

You are the best at finding good quotations...PLEASE make a tag for quotations, so that I can go through your blog and read your quotations. Thanks!

[Gretchen Rubin]

I love hearing that others love quotations as much as I do! Great suggestion about the tagging. I wish I'd thought of that sooner. I'll be sure to start now.

[Donna]

I've been following your blog for a long time. Your Happiness Project has been very inspirational, in fact it's been a catalyst for change in my own life.

But there has been a little niggling thought at the back of my mind when I read your posts of late - and this post has finally prompted me to verbalise it.

I tend to worry, worry, worry whenever I do something wrong. I also idealise this worry, thinking it makes me a 'better' person, that it distinguishes me from those who have been 'hardened by long habits of iniquity'.

But in a very real way, this approach can be incredibly destructive. Example: I focus endlessly on self-improvement, using my 'failures' as 'lessons', as opportunities to improve 'next time'. In short, I never give myself a break. And it's exhausting.

Slowly, however, I am learning to forgive myself for tripping up. For being insensitive, or uncharitable, or for snapping at my family (yes, this is a big failing of mine too).

I say to myself, for example: 'It's ok, I am irritable sometimes'. Then I let it go. In this way I still recognise that I've done wrong, but I no longer let these occasional mistakes define me.

You have made so many incredible changes in your life. I just hope you give yourself a break from the striving sometimes. It's not about making excuses, it's about forgiveness. Ironically, I find this is the only thing that really does help me do better ‘next time’.

That said - I adore this quote. He really hit the nail on the head. Please, keep them (and your wonderful words) coming.