Two yellow beads sit on small metal pedestal dishes, one seen through a magnifying glass.

Original artwork, not a still

Montesquieu

If we only wanted to be happy, it would be easy; but we want to be happier than other people, which is almost always difficult, since we think them happier than they are.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Happiness would be simple if we only wanted to be happy. The trouble is we want to be happier than everyone else, and since we imagine others are happier than they really are, we keep moving the finish line. It's a wry note on envy.

Context reviewed

Share this quote