Happiness quotation from Jane Austen.
From the novel Emma
“Miss Bates…had never boasted either beauty or cleverness. Her youth had passed without distinction, and her middle of life was devoted to the care of a failing mother, and the endeavour to make a small income go as far as possible. And yet she was a happy woman, and a woman whom no one named without good-will. It was her own universal goodwill and contented temper which worked such wonders. She loved every body, was interested in every body’s happiness and quick-sighted to every body’s merits; thought herself a most fortunate creature, and surrounded with blessings in such an excellent mother and so many good neighbours and friends, and a home that wanted for nothing. The simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature, her contented and grateful spirit, were a recommendation to every body and a mine of felicity to herself.” --Jane Austen
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I visited the Think Simple Now blog for the first time -- glad to discover it.
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Interested in starting your own Happiness Project? If you’d like to take a look at my Resolutions Chart, for inspiration, just email me at grubin, then the “at” sign, then gretchenrubin dot com. No need to write anything more than “Resolutions Chart” in the subject line.
Awesome quote. When a person cares about other people their own happiness seems to follow.
When I was younger I was too caught up in what would make me happy. When I started letting go of this outlook and looking for other people's happiness that's when my happiness blossomed.
Posted by: Karl Staib - Work Happy Now | October 11, 2008 at 03:05 PM
I love this book! Miss Bates is such a wonderful character and I love that quote/description.
Posted by: Kelly | October 11, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I really loved your 12 Commandments. Very touching and straight forward. It gave me power to forget the past, enjoyed life and so on. Hope you finished your amazing project
Posted by: Our Food Recipes | October 12, 2008 at 06:24 AM
Absolutely NOTHING makes me happier than Jane Austen's novels.
Posted by: Emily | October 12, 2008 at 11:57 AM
As a young person I wasn't what you called a "reader". English was one of my worse subjects and I am slow reader.
I have slowly become what you would call a "reader". I am grateful and happy to be a "reader". I so needed to expand my world, receive inspiration and share my new found knowledge with others.
Bless authors, writers, bloggers who share. I read The Last Lecture. Thankful that Randy Pausch shared his happiness with us.
Posted by: Kim - Dancing B*A*G Lady | October 12, 2008 at 12:09 PM
You know, though I have read Emma many times, it has never occurred to me that Miss Bates is actually living a truly happy life! I have always viewed her through Emma's eyes as slightly ridiculous, but through her own eyes, Miss Bates is a really happy, lucky and grateful individual.
Posted by: Fionnuala | October 13, 2008 at 06:27 AM
What a great quote! I've just found your blog through Real Simple. Yay! :)
Posted by: Bridget | October 13, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Remember, Miss Bates was never appreciated by the other characters. She was frequently seen as boring. I don't think universal "niceness" is a condition for happiness. In fact, often I think being nice to everyone diminishes happiness.
Posted by: PR | October 13, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Haven't read that beautiful JA quote in years! Awesome project, btw!
Posted by: Stop Smoking Los Angeles | October 14, 2008 at 04:59 AM
Delighted to find your blog and absolutely love the quote. I've linked to your blog on Happy By Nature...I like to share the good stuff!
Posted by: Linda Davenport | October 14, 2008 at 10:59 AM