The Quote
“It is impossible for a man to be made happy by putting him in a happy place, unless he be first in a happy state.”
Benjamin Whichcote (1609-1683), English philosopher and theologian
VOCABULARY
Unless = except if
State = the condition of a person or thing
Thoughts on the Quote
Often when we feel down or depressed it is easy to imagine ourselves happier in a different environment. What Benjamin Whichcote believes however, is that changing our external conditions, whether it be by going on a long holiday or leaving town altogether, will do nothing to change our internal conditions. Whichcote tells us to work on our own state of personal happiness first and only then will we be able to appreciate the environment around us.
Do you agree with this quote?
Are there circumstances in life where it is essential to firstly remove yourself physically before you can effect any emotional change?
