Happiness Quote: “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” attributed to famous American writer and teacher Dale Carnegie.
Deeper Meaning of Happiness Quote
This quote touches on two important concepts: success and happiness.
- Success is getting what you want: This suggests that success is often measured by external achievements—reaching a goal or obtaining something you desire, like a promotion, recognition, or material possessions. It is typically associated with the outcome, getting what you’ve worked toward.
- Happiness is wanting what you get: This shifts the focus from external achievements to internal satisfaction. It comes from appreciating and accepting what you have, rather than constantly yearning for more or different things. It’s about being content and finding joy in your current circumstances, rather than constantly seeking external validation or more material gain.
In essence, success is about reaching your goals, while happiness is about finding peace and satisfaction with what you already have. The quote suggests that happiness isn’t dependent on external success but on the mindset you have toward the things you achieve and experience.
A story inspired by Happiness Quote “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”
Happiness Story: “The Tale of Elias and the Golden Feather“
In a quiet village nestled between rolling hills and thick forests, a young man named Elias lived. From a young age, he dreamed of something beyond the village’s borders. He wanted to be the most renowned artist in the kingdom, his name celebrated in the grand cities. He painted murals for the village, but these were small, simple works. While the villagers admired them, Elias longed for more.
The old woman by the fire in the forest:
One day, as he wandered through the forest searching for inspiration, Elias encountered an old woman sitting by a fire. Her hair was as white as snow, and her hands showed signs of time. She smiled warmly and said, “I see you carry a heavy burden, young artist. You seek something more, don’t you?”
Elias nodded, feeling an unspoken connection with her.
“I can grant you the chance to create a masterpiece,” she continued. “But first, you must find the Golden Feather. It’s a rare treasure, said to possess the magic of the greatest artists who ever lived. Only with it will you create a painting that will be remembered forever.”
Elias’s heart leapt at the thought. “Where do I find this feather?” he asked eagerly.
The woman’s eyes twinkled. “Beyond the hills, through the darkest forest, and over the highest mountain. But be warned, the path will be hard, and the feather only belongs to those who truly understand what they seek.”
The Golden Feather in the moonlights:
Without hesitation, Elias set off on the journey, determined to prove his worth. He braved fierce winds, climbed steep mountains, and navigated the thickest parts of the forest. Weeks passed, and his spirit grew weary, but his determination kept him going. Eventually, after much hardship, Elias found the Golden Feather resting on a rock, glowing softly in the moonlight.
Elias struggling with the painting:
With the treasure in hand, he returned to the village, eager to create the masterpiece he had always dreamed of. However, as he began to paint, something strange happened. The feather shimmered, but no matter how hard Elias tried, his brushstrokes felt wrong. The colors didn’t blend, the shapes didn’t align, and the beauty he sought remained just out of reach. Frustration mounted. “Why can’t I do it? I have the feather,” he muttered.
The old woman’s wisdom in the studio:
At that moment, the old woman appeared once again, standing at the doorway of his studio. She watched him in silence for a moment before speaking. “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” You’ve been so focused on creating a painting to prove your worth that you’ve lost sight of what truly matters.
Elias looked up, confused. “What do you mean?” he asked. “I thought the feather was the key to my success.”
Elias painting for the joy of it:
She shook her head gently. “You have the feather, but you’ve forgotten the true essence of your craft. Success might give you what you want, but happiness comes from wanting what you already have.”
Elias stood still for a moment, contemplating her words. Slowly, he put down his brush. Instead of forcing himself to create something grand, he decided to paint what he felt in his heart. He let go of his desire for recognition. He painted not for fame, but for the joy of creating.
The final masterpiece: A village at sunset:
As the hours passed, a new painting emerged—a simple yet vibrant depiction of the village at sunset, filled with warmth and life. It wasn’t the grand masterpiece he had imagined, but as he looked at it, a deep sense of peace washed over him. The colors spoke to him, the brushstrokes flowed naturally, and he felt a contentment he had never known before.
The old woman smiled. “You’ve found it, Elias. The true secret of happiness. When you embrace what you already have, you unlock the joy that comes from within.”
Elias understood. Success had led him to the Golden Feather, but happiness had always been within him, waiting to be discovered. From that day forward, Elias continued to paint, but not for recognition or fame. He painted simply because it brought him joy. And in doing so, his work was admired—not for its grandeur, but for the genuine joy it conveyed.
Here is the end of happiness story and the quote “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” The story of Elias shows how the pursuit of success can be fulfilling, but true happiness comes when we find contentment in the present moment, appreciating what we have rather than always striving for more.