Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"行动未必总能带来幸福,但没有行动就没有幸福"

William James
William James Philosopher
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
Taking action is often necessary if you want to find true happiness. Even though taking action doesn’t guarantee you’ll be happy, it’s almost impossible to be happy without doing something to trigger that emotion. Let’s break that down a bit.

Think back to a time when someone was feeling stuck in a rut. Maybe it was during the Great Depression, when people were struggling to find jobs and make ends meet. This quote might have resonated deeply with them. They knew that sitting idle wasn’t going to put food on the table. They had to get out there, take action—maybe stand in long lines for hours just for a shot at a job or to receive aid. Their actions didn’t always lead to immediate happiness or success, but they knew that without taking any action, their situation would remain the same, or even get worse.

Alright, let’s talk about a practical example. Imagine you’re in a job that you hate. You wake up every morning dragging yourself out of bed, dreading the idea of another day at work. You decide to take action by updating your resume and applying for new positions. You might not find your dream job immediately, and the process could be frustrating and disheartening at times. But by taking those steps, you’re opening up the possibility for change and, eventually, happiness. Even if the first few interviews don’t go well, each one gets you closer.

So, if you’re feeling stuck and unhappy, here’s a bit of advice: start small. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life in one go. Pick one thing that’s been bothering you and take a concrete step towards changing it. Maybe it's your fitness. Start with a 10-minute walk every day. Those small actions can build momentum and lead to bigger changes over time.

Now, let’s dive into a story. Picture a young woman named Sarah. Sarah’s just graduated from college and is unsure of what to do next. She’s living at home, and each day feels like a repeat of the last. She’s frustrated and a bit lost. One day, she decides to take action. She starts volunteering at a local animal shelter. At first, it’s just a few hours a week, but it gives her a sense of purpose. She begins to meet new people, learns new skills, and gradually, her confidence grows. The action of volunteering didn’t bring her happiness overnight, but it set off a chain of events that led to personal growth and fulfillment. Eventually, Sarah finds a job that she loves, working with animals full-time.

So, when you’re sitting there feeling like you’re trapped in a cycle of unhappiness, remember Sarah’s story. Take that first step, no matter how small it might seem. Who knows where it could lead you? Happiness might just be around the corner, waiting for you to make the first move.
Related tags
Action Happiness Inspiration Life philosophy Mindset Motivation Personal growth Productivity Success Well-being
MORE QUOTES BY William James
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon