"幸福是一种由人的内在创造力带来的成就，这是一种状态，只有当我们的内在创造力没有消失时才能维持。"

The essence of this quote is that true happiness comes from within, from our ability to be productive and creative in our own lives. It’s not just about getting things done or ticking off tasks on a list, but more about feeling alive and fulfilled through what we do and create. And here’s the kicker—this sense of happiness can only last as long as we keep that inner drive alive. If we lose our inner spark, our productive spirit, happiness fades away.

This idea has roots in the thoughts of many philosophers and psychologists, but it's particularly tied to the insights of Erich Fromm, a renowned social psychologist. Fromm believed that humans have a basic need to feel productive and that this need is crucial for mental health and happiness. The historical context of this concept can be traced back to the mid-20th century, a time when people were beginning to question the rise of consumerism and the hollow pursuit of material wealth. Fromm’s ideas offered an alternative: find joy in creation, not consumption.

Now, let’s talk about a concrete example. Imagine a painter named Sarah. She doesn’t paint to sell her work or gain fame. Instead, Sarah paints because it’s her way of expressing herself—it’s how she connects with her inner world. Every brushstroke brings her a sense of accomplishment and joy. Even on days when her paintings don’t turn out as she hoped, the act of painting itself keeps her spirit alive and her mind engaged. This is inner productiveness at work—Sarah’s happiness is born from the process, not the end result.

So how can we apply this to our own lives? First off, find something that makes you feel alive. It could be anything—writing, gardening, coding, cooking, building model trains, whatever. The key is that it should be something that engages your mind and spirit, something that feels meaningful to you. Make time for this activity regularly. Don’t let it get pushed aside by the busyness of life. And don’t worry about whether you’re “good” at it. Remember, this is about the process, not the product.

Let me share a quick story. My friend Joe works in finance, a job he finds pretty dull. A few years back, he picked up woodworking as a hobby. At first, he struggled—his coffee table was more wobbly than sturdy. But he kept at it. Over time, he got better, and more importantly, he found that working with his hands gave him a deep sense of satisfaction that his day job never did. Joe’s not about to quit his job, but that inner productiveness he gets from woodworking balances out the monotony of his 9-to-5. It keeps his inner spark alive.

In short, find your thing, keep at it, and let it feed your soul. Happiness isn’t something we can buy or chase down—it’s something we cultivate from within, through the things we create and the passions we pursue. Keep that inner flame burning, and happiness will follow.