“We call "happiness" a certain set of circumstances that makes joy possible.”

— André Gide, "An Unprejudiced Mind", in Pretexts (1964)

About André Gide

1869 – 1951

French writer, Nobel laureate in Literature (1947).

“At times it seems to me that I am living my life backwards, and that at the approach of old age my real youth will begin.”

“Be faithful to that which exists nowhere but in yourself — and thus make yourself indispensable.”

“Sin is whatever obscures the soul.”

“Happiness is not exuberant or noisy, like pleasure or joy; it's silent, tranquil, and gentle.”

“There may be Peace without Joy, and Joy without Peace, but the two combined make Happiness.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“I think it's important to have a good time.”

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”