"Être stupide, égoïste et avoir une bonne santé sont trois conditions pour le bonheur"

The message here is all about the seemingly odd combination of traits needed for a happy life: being a bit ignorant, self-centered, and in good physical shape. At first glance, this might sound odd—maybe even a bit off-putting. But let’s dig deeper.

The idea is that sometimes, knowing too much or overthinking can weigh you down. Think about it—if you worry about every little thing, from global politics to your neighbor’s opinion of you, happiness gets harder to grasp. Being a bit 'stupid' here means not letting every piece of information or every worry burden your mind.

Selfishness, in this context, isn't about being greedy or mean. It's about putting your needs and well-being first. If you're constantly bending over backward for others, you might end up neglecting yourself. Ever heard the saying about putting your own oxygen mask on first? Same idea. You need to take care of yourself to be genuinely happy.

Good health is probably the most straightforward part of the equation. It’s hard to be happy if you're constantly in pain or unwell. When your body feels good, it’s a lot easier for your mind to follow suit.

Take the example of a friend I knew back in college, let’s call her Sarah. Sarah was the kind of person who didn’t overthink things. She wasn’t bogged down by every little detail or worry. She focused on her studies but didn’t stress about needing perfect grades. She made sure she exercised regularly, ate well, and slept enough. And yes, she was a bit selfish with her time—she made sure she had enough for herself, whether it was for a hobby or just to relax. Sarah was one of the happiest people I knew. She had that glow of someone who’s got things figured out, even if she didn’t have a 10-year plan.

So how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? First, try not to overthink. Stay informed, sure, but don’t let every news story or problem weigh you down. Give yourself permission to be a little ignorant about things that don’t directly affect you. Second, remember that it’s okay to prioritize yourself. It’s not selfish in a bad way—it's necessary. Make time for yourself, whether that’s through a hobby, exercise, or just downtime. Lastly, take care of your health. Make small, manageable changes to your diet, exercise, and sleep routine. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just consistent.

Picture this: you’re at a family dinner, and everyone’s stressing about the latest political drama. You decide to not engage too deeply—why? Because you know it won’t make you any happier or change the situation. Instead, you enjoy your meal, have a laugh, and later, you go for a jog or read a book you love. You see how the little worries slide off you? You’ve got your priorities straight.

To sum it up, happiness isn’t about having everything or knowing everything. Sometimes, it’s about letting go, putting yourself first, and keeping yourself healthy. It’s simple, but not always easy—yet definitely worth the effort.