Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"Un enfant peut enseigner à un adulte trois choses : être heureux sans raison, être toujours occupé par quelque chose et savoir exiger de toutes ses forces ce qu'il désire."

Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho Author
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
Children have a magical way of seeing the world that adults often lose as they grow up. They're experts in finding joy in the smallest things, staying engaged with whatever they're doing, and going after what they want with an unstoppable determination. Think about it—when was the last time you saw a child who needed a reason to be happy? They just *are*. It’s a kind of pure, unblemished happiness that many of us could learn a lot from.

Let’s dive into the first idea: happiness for no reason. Kids don’t need a promotion, a new car, or a fancy vacation to feel happy. Give them a cardboard box and they’ll turn it into a spaceship, a fort, or whatever else their imagination can conjure up. It’s a kind of happiness that’s self-generated and not reliant on external factors. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with messages that happiness is tied to material success or approval from others, this is a lesson worth remembering.

The historical context here might not be as relevant as the universal truth it holds. This insight is timeless, applicable in any era. Whether you’re in ancient Greece, the Renaissance, or today's fast-paced digital age, the core principles remain the same. What a child can teach us transcends time and place.

Now, let’s talk about staying busy. Kids are almost always doing something, whether it’s building with blocks, drawing, or simply exploring their surroundings. They don’t sit idle for long. This constant engagement is something we adults could benefit from. Imagine channeling that kind of focus and activity into your work or hobbies. It’s about being present and immersing yourself fully in whatever you’re doing.

For a real-life example, consider a friend of mine who took up painting again because of her daughter. Watching her little girl spend hours with crayons and paper, she decided to dig out her old paints and give it another go. It wasn’t about creating a masterpiece—it was about the act of creating itself. She found herself lost in the process, much like her daughter, and it brought her a kind of contentment she hadn’t felt in years.

Then there’s the idea of demanding what you want with all your might. When kids want something, they go after it. They don’t hold back. It’s not about being rude or pushy—it’s about having that undiluted desire and the courage to express it. Think about how this could change the way you approach your goals. If you truly went after what you wanted with that kind of intensity, what could you achieve?

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by letting yourself be happy for no reason. Find joy in the little things—a warm cup of coffee, a sunny day, or even just a few moments of quiet. Next, keep yourself engaged. Find activities that keep your mind and body busy. It doesn’t have to be work—pick up a hobby, learn something new, or just explore your surroundings. And lastly, be bold in expressing what you want. Don’t be afraid to go after it with everything you’ve got.

Picture this: you’re at a family gathering. The kids are running around, laughing, playing tag. You’re watching them with a smile, but something clicks. You decide to join in. At first, you feel a bit silly, but soon you’re laughing as hard as the kids. You realize you haven’t felt this free in a long time. That’s the kind of happiness, engagement, and boldness we’re talking about. It’s about embracing life with the same open-hearted joy and determination that children do. Try it. You might just surprise yourself.
Related tags
Childhood wisdom Curiosity Desire Happiness Innocence Inspirational Life lessons Lifelong learning Persistence
MORE QUOTES BY Paulo Coelho
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon