Why “Happiness”? Probably because it is the most elusive and sought out feeling of mankind and yet its meaning is unique to each of us. However; is there some common ground that we all agree on?
The views are for your consideration and if they create some extra thoughts for you, then that is ok. Here is the first view of “Happiness” from perhaps a most unlikely, noble, scientific genius of the 20thC. I trust you find this of some interest.
First Thoughts on “Happiness”:
I’m sure everyone is well aware of the brilliant physicist Albert Einstein and his ongoing remarkable contribution to science. However; he also is responsible for even more thought-provoking concepts concerning Happiness. These thoughts appear to be simple, truthful, ageless and even more relevant today. I preface this reference to the word “truthful” – when we know something to be true for you, a “clarity “appears that clears confusion. In fact, we often acknowledge this by saying something like “yes” or “I really get that”! I think you may have one of those precious moments when you hear what Einstein has to say on happiness however; there is even a more significant backstory to why, how and who he wrote it for.
It was November 1922. Einstein was on a lecture circuit in Japan. He was staying at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo when a messenger came to his room. The message was gratefully received by Einstein. It is not clear whether a financial tip was offered and refused however; Einstein decided to give the messenger something of great importance, anticipating that it would be of great value to the messenger and his family – sometime and in the future.
On a sheet of Hotel stationary, Einstein wrote the following two messages in German:
“A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness”.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” read the other note, written on a blank sheet of paper.
I think you felt that clarity that I mentioned previously.
And yes, the Hotel messenger was given a remarkable gift that kept on giving!
The first message sold for $1.65 million and the second message sold for $240,000 – at auction (2017), by a relative of the messenger (Siegel, 2017).
What a great story and what a great message, hope you enjoyed it.
All the very best in kindness to you and those around you, Lesley.
Reference:
Rachel Siegel (October 24, 2017) Washington Post.
A picture taken on October 19, 2017, shows Gal Winner, owner and manager of the Winner’s auction house in Jerusalem, displays two notes written by Albert Einstein, in 1922, on hotel stationary from the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo Japan. (Menahem Kahana/AFP/Getty Images)
