If one only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished;
but we wish to be happier than other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are.
Montesquieu, French lawyer and philosopher, 1689 – 1755
photo michael johnston
Mindfulbalance 
Reblogged this on Meaning Mindfulness and Non-Violence.
Reblogged this on Find Your Middle Ground and commented:
Such a mindful thought on happiness. Worth reflecting on. Val x
I’m not sure I agree, wholly. I certainly agree with the latter. We believe other’s lives are so much better than our own. Other people are so much better than we are: nicer, kinder, happier and so forth. But I’m not sure we wish to be better or happier. I’m sure there are those who are competitive to want that, certainly, but for the average man or woman that bar we’ve already set feels high. I think most people would be grateful to think of themselves as well and as happy as they perceive others. Competition is not what buries us. It’s fear of who we are that does.
Fantastic quote! Happiness comes first to those who are already smiling.
Reblogged this on tapastango.