Quotes With Meaning
Happiness was never important. The problem is that we don't know what we really want. What makes us happy is not to get what we want. But to dream about it. Happiness is for opportunists. So I think that the only life of deep satisfaction is a life of eternal struggle, especially struggle with oneself. If you want to remain happy, just remain stupid. Authentic masters are never happy; happiness is a category of slaves.
Happiness was never important. The problem is that we don't know what we really want. What makes us happy is not to get what we want. But to dream about it. Happiness is for opportunists. So I think that the only life of deep satisfaction is a life of eternal struggle, especially struggle with oneself. If you want to remain happy, just remain stupid. Authentic masters are never happy; happiness is a category of slaves.
This quote discusses how true happiness may be an illusion tied to our desires rather than a state we attain. Žižek argues that people often don't truly understand what they want, suggesting that the act of dreaming or desiring something can provide more satisfaction than achieving it. He sees happiness as a fleeting emotion reserved for those who settle for less, implying that true fulfillment arises from the struggles we face, especially with ourselves. The pursuit of personal growth and self-understanding, rather than the pursuit of happiness itself, leads to a more meaningful life. Ultimately, he suggests that authentic thinkers or 'masters' are often dissatisfied, as they strive for deeper truths rather than superficial contentment.