Positive News

Published February 5, 2026

Being told you have a “pure soul” is one of the most profound compliments a person can receive. It hits differently than being told you look nice or that you did a good job. It speaks to who you are at your core. But after the initial “thank you,” have you ever paused to wonder what that phrase truly means?

In movies and books, a pure soul is often the “good guy” or the innocent character with a heart of gold. But in real life, it goes much deeper than just being nice. It’s about intention, authenticity, and how you move through the world.

So, how do you define it, and how do you know if you—or someone you know—fits the description?

The Deeper Meaning of a Pure Soul

The concept of a “pure soul” isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shifts a bit depending on who you ask, but the common thread is goodness that isn’t forced.

If you look at it from a simple, human perspective, a pure soul is someone with honest intentions. These are the people who do things simply because they enjoy them or because they believe it’s the right thing to do. They aren’t calculating what they’ll get in return. They aren’t chasing fame, clout, or a reward. Their actions come from a place of genuine integrity.

Others view a pure soul as someone deeply rooted in compassion, someone who lives to lift others up. They treat everyone they meet with the same level of respect, whether that person is a CEO or a struggling stranger on the street.

From a spiritual or philosophical angle, the “soul” is often seen as the essence of who we are, the part of us that makes us human. In this context, having a pure soul means that your essential self hasn’t been corrupted by the negativity or cynicism of the world. This is why we often look at babies and say they have pure souls. They haven’t yet learned to be jaded, greedy, or prejudiced. They just are.

In specific traditions like Jainism, the idea gets even more specific. Here, a pure soul is “liberated.” It has broken free from heavy burdens like anger, greed, and lust. It is light, unburdened, and free.

It might feel like having a pure soul is rare in today’s fast-paced, often difficult world. And maybe it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It is a state of being we can all strive for.

How to Tell If You Have a Pure Soul

If you are curious about where you stand, or if you are trying to spot this quality in others, there are certain traits that act as a compass. Here are the clear signs of a pure soul.

1. You help without hesitation

This is perhaps the biggest giveaway. Most of us, when asked for help, might take a second to weigh the pros and cons. We check our schedules or wonder if it’s “worth it.” A pure soul doesn’t do that mental math. If someone needs help and they can provide it, they jump right in. They don’t worry about who is watching or if they will get credit. They help because it’s the right thing to do.

2. You treat everyone as an equal

To a pure soul, social status is an illusion. They don’t see race, tax brackets, or job titles. They see a human being. Whether talking to a powerful leader or someone who is homeless, a pure soul offers the same level of kindness, eye contact, and respect. They understand that we are all created equal.

3. You feel what others feel

Empathy is the superpower of the pure-hearted. Because they don’t have hidden agendas or selfish motives blocking their view, they can see clearly into the hearts of others. They don’t just understand someone’s pain intellectually; they feel it. This makes them incredible listeners and comforting friends.

4. You give with no strings attached

Transactional giving is common, I’ll do this for you if you do this for me.” A pure soul doesn’t operate that way. Whether they are sharing their lunch, their money, or just their time, they give freely. They don’t keep a scoreboard. The act of giving is its own reward.

Published January 27, 2026

We all face seasons where the weight of the world feels a little too heavy. Whether it’s a friend going through a breakup, a family member dealing with job loss, or a coworker struggling with burnout, seeing someone you care about in pain is difficult.

As humans, our instinct is to help, but we often get stuck wondering exactly how to encourage someone without saying the wrong thing or overstepping boundaries.

At the OFH Soup Kitchen, we see people from all walks of life every single day. We’ve learned that encouragement isn’t always about grand gestures or solving someone’s problems instantly. Meaningful support is usually found in the small, consistent acts of kindness that say, “I see you, and you are not alone.”

If you are looking for practical ways to brighten someone’s day, here are 20 simple, effective methods to lift their spirits and provide the emotional fuel they need to keep going.

The Power of Presence and Listening

Often, the best way to encourage someone starts with simply showing up.

1. Practice Active Listening

When we want to cheer someone up, we often rush to offer advice. Instead, try listening to understand, not to fix. Maintain eye contact, put your phone away, and let them vent. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of healing.

2. Validate Their Feelings

Avoid toxic positivity phrases like “Look on the bright side.” Instead, validate their pain. Saying things like, “It makes sense that you’re upset,” or “That sounds really hard,” can be incredibly relieving. It tells them they aren’t crazy for feeling the way they do.

3. Just “Be There”

You don’t always need to fill the silence with words. Sitting with someone in their grief or stress offers a sense of solidarity. Your physical presence is a reminder that they have a safety net.

4. Ask: “Do You Want Comfort or Solutions?”

This is a game-changer in communication. Sometimes people want a strategy to fix their problem, but often, they just want a hug and a listening ear. Asking this question clarifies your role and prevents frustration on both sides.

5. Use Open and Warm Body Language

Your non-verbal cues speak volumes. Uncrossing your arms, leaning in slightly when they speak, and offering a warm smile can subconsciously signal safety and acceptance, making it easier for them to open up.

Words of Affirmation

Your words have the power to change the trajectory of someone’s day.

6. Send a “Thinking of You” Text

You don’t need a reason to reach out. A random text saying, “I was just thinking about you and hope you’re having a good day,” serves as a low-pressure reminder that they are loved.

7. Remind Them of Their Strengths

When people are down, they often suffer from temporary amnesia regarding their own capabilities. Remind them of a time they overcame a similar hurdle. Be specific: “I remember how you handled that project last year with such grace; you have that same strength now.”

8. Write a Handwritten Note

In our digital age, finding a physical card or letter in the mailbox is a rare treat. Taking the time to write out your thoughts shows a level of effort and care that an email simply can’t match. It’s a tangible reminder of your friendship they can keep.

9. Celebrate the Small Wins

When someone is depressed or overwhelmed, getting out of bed or washing the dishes can feel like a marathon. Notice these small steps. Acknowledging, “I’m proud of you for getting that done today,” reinforces their momentum.

10. Be Specific with Compliments

Generic praise often slides right off us. Instead of “You’re great,” try, “I really admire how patient you are with your children,” or “Your creativity always solves problems in unique ways.” Specificity makes the encouragement stick.

Acts of Service and Tangible Help

Sometimes, the best way to encourage someone is to lighten their load practically.

11. Cook Their Favorite Meal

Food is a universal language of care. Dropping off a lasagna, a batch of cookies, or their favorite takeout can provide comfort and remove the stress of meal planning for a night.

12. Help with “Life Admin”

When spirits are low, chores pile up. Offer to do something specific: “Can I pick up your groceries this week?” or “I’m heading to the post office, give me your packages.” Taking a mundane task off their plate can be a huge relief.

13. Get Them Outside

Fresh air and nature are natural mood boosters. Gently encourage a walk around the block or a sit in the park. You don’t even have to talk; just changing the environment can shift a mindset.

14. Create a Distraction

Sometimes, people need a break from their own thoughts. Invite them to a movie, send them a funny meme, or start a conversation about a shared hobby. Laughter releases endorphins that can temporarily alleviate stress.

15. Make a Customized Playlist

Music has a direct line to our emotions. Create a playlist of songs that are either soothing or upbeat (depending on what they need) and share it with them. It’s a modern mixtape that says you care.

Published January 27, 2026

Most of us would rather do something unpleasant than spend time alone with our own thoughts. A 2014 study found that many participants chose to give themselves mild electric shocks over several minutes of peaceful contemplation.

This might seem strange, but it’s not entirely surprising. We are often wired to avoid confrontations, especially with ourselves. Spending time in our own minds can feel intimidating. There is no telling what we might discover about ourselves and our view of the world.

However, if we give ourselves a chance to connect with our innermost thoughts, the experience can be more surprising than scary. Sometimes, the best way to truly know ourselves is to face our thoughts head-on. Asking deep questions helps us understand who we are. This practice improves self-awareness and builds mindfulness.

To help you begin your journey of self-discovery, here are some questions that will make you think more deeply about life, yourself, and the world we live in.

Thought-Provoking Questions About Life

1. What is the meaning of life?
2. Why do we exist?
3. What differentiates living from merely existing?
4. Why do we feel the need to know the meaning of life?
5. What is worse, failing or never trying?
6. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we so afraid to make them?
7. Why do we dream?
8. What is the difference between innocence and ignorance?
9. Can there be happiness without sadness? Pleasure without pain? Peace without war?
10. Where do thoughts come from?
11. Are humans inherently good or evil?
12. Why is life often so strange and mysterious?
13. How does karma play a role in life?
14. What is more essential to humanity: emotion or reason?
15. Is it wrong if your only goal in life is to live simply?
16. If everyone has to die, why do most people fear death?
17. How should we measure our lives? In years, moments, accomplishments, or something else?
18. Is it easier to hate or to love? Why?
19. What’s more important: doing the right thing or doing things right?
20. Is suffering a necessary part of existence?
21. What is freedom? Is it doing what you want or having the option to?
22. Does a perfectly just world require an absence of mercy?
23. If time is a human construct, how does it shape our reality?
24. What is the one truth you would be willing to die for?

Questions That Will Make You Think About Yourself

1. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
2. When you are in your twilight years, what will matter most to you?
3. What is holding you back from achieving your dream?
4. Have you done anything that will leave a mark on other people?
5. What do you have that you are thankful for?
6. When was the last time you tried something new?
7. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
8. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
9. What is the one thing you regret the most?
10. What childhood memory do you cherish the most?
11. If you had the chance to go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
12. What do you love most about yourself?
13. What do you imagine yourself doing 10 or 20 years from now?
14. What is the one thing that you cannot live without?
15. If you didn’t know your age, how old would you think you are?
16. If you could restart your life from scratch, would you end up in the same place?
17. If you could have coffee with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
18. If you found out the world was ending in a year, how would you spend your time?
19. If you could choose to be any animal, what would you choose and why?
20. What is the most life-changing decision you have ever made on a whim?
21. How do you think other people see you?
22. Do you judge yourself by the same standards that you judge others? If not, are you harsher or more lenient?
23. Are you settling or just accepting things as they are?
24. Have you helped someone recently?
25. What is the most valuable lesson life has taught you?
26. What lie do you tell yourself most often?
27. Who in your life do you trust completely, and why?
28. Is the person you are on the inside the same as the person you show to the world?

Questions That May Never Have an Answer

1. Is there anything that’s perfect?
2. Who decides what the “right” thing is?
3. What shape is the sky?
4. Who knew what time it was when the first clock was made?
5. Did we create math or did we discover it?
6. Do you think you’d like living underwater if you became a mermaid, or would it be too scary?
7. Is there really life after death?
8. Where do we go after we die?
9. Where do our thoughts go after we’re done thinking them?
10. Does knowing the future change its outcome?
11. Why do we find beautiful things beautiful?
12. Do animals have souls?
13. If you never learned to speak a language, how would your thoughts appear in your mind?
14. Are soulmates real?
15. Are heaven and hell real?
16. If colors are just light frequencies, do they exist without an eye to see them?
17. Can a thought exist without language to express it?
18. Does infinity have an end?

Funny Questions That Will Provoke Your Thoughts

1. What came first, the chicken or the egg?
2. If two mind readers read each other’s minds at the same time, whose mind are they reading?
3. What if aliens invade our planet and they are really attractive?
4. If you were a ghost, what location do you think you would haunt?
5. What do animals dream about?
6. Why don’t your lips touch when you say “touch,” but they do touch when you say “separate”?
7. Why do we park in a driveway and drive on a parkway?
8. What was the first person to milk a cow trying to do? Why did they then drink it?
9. If something is both new and improved, what was it improving on?
10. If a zombie is bitten by a vampire, does the vampire become a zombie or vice versa?
11. Does a cyclops blink or wink?
12. If you try to fail and succeed, what did you do?
13. Why isn’t there mouse-flavored cat food?
14. If you get out of the shower clean, how does your towel get dirty?

Questions That Will Make You Question Reality

1. Why does the line you’re in always seem to move the slowest?
2. Do you own your things or do your things own you?
3. Do you “work to live” or “live to work”?
4. How do you know your memories are true? Does it matter either way?
5. Do people possess souls? If so, where are they in the body?
6. What if there’s a parallel universe with another you in it?
7. Is there such a thing as knowledge if everything we know is subject to debate?
8. Given that a person does not choose to be born, is free will simply an illusion?
9. Is there a greater and higher intelligence than humans?
10. What does each person in the world think of at this very moment?
11. When you die, how will you know that you are dead?
12. A day can seem to drag or fly by. So is time real?
13. Why do we sometimes remember things as happier than they actually were?
14. If anything is possible, then how do you determine what is worth trying?
15. Are we living in a computer simulation? How would we know?
16. If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
17. Could your entire life be a dream you haven’t woken up from yet?

Published January 14, 2026

Do you walk into a room and immediately sense the “vibe,” even before anyone speaks? Do you find yourself physically exhausted after comforting a friend, as if you lived through their trauma yourself? If you often feel overwhelmed by the emotions of those around you, you might possess a unique personality trait known as being an empath.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. However, being an “empath” goes a step further. It implies you don’t just understand emotions; you absorb them. This can be a beautiful gift, allowing for deep connection, but it can also be a heavy burden without the right tools.

If you are curious about where you fall on the empathy spectrum, we have curated a list of the most reliable and insightful online resources. We have refreshed this list for 2025 to include scientifically validated assessments alongside popular quizzes.

The Best Sites to Take an Empath Test

While no online quiz can offer a medical diagnosis, these tools can provide excellent insight into your emotional landscape and how you process the world around you.

1. The Empathy Quotient (EQ)

If you are looking for a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous assessment, the Empathy Quotient (EQ) is the gold standard. Developed by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen at the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, this tool measures empathy in adults.

It consists of 60 items designed to test your ability to tune into how someone else is feeling. It differentiates between “cognitive empathy” (understanding what someone thinks) and “emotional empathy” (feeling what someone feels).

• Why take it: It is widely used in clinical research and offers a serious look at your empathetic capacity.
• Where to find it: You can take the Empathy Quotient test at Psychology Tools.

2. Greater Good Magazine by UC Berkeley

The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley offers a quiz backed by serious academic muscle. Their assessment draws from three scientifically validated scales, including the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index.

This test is excellent because it doesn’t just give you a score; it breaks down the nuances of empathy. It looks at your “affective empathy” (your visceral reaction to others’ feelings) and your perspective-taking abilities.

• Why take it: It is grounded in research and provides a high level of accuracy regarding your emotional baseline.
• Where to find it: Visit the Greater Good Empathy Quiz.

3. Psychology Today

Psychology Today is one of the most trusted names in mental health publishing. Their empathy test consists of roughly 20 questions that you answer on a sliding scale from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.”

The questions are practical and scenario-based, asking how you react to friends’ problems, joyous news, or awkward social situations. The results help you understand if your empathy levels are average, high, or perhaps overwhelming.

• Why take it: It is user-friendly, quick (about 5 minutes), and comes from a reputable mental health source.
• Where to find it: Check out the Psychology Today Empathy Test.

4. Verywell Mind

For those who want a quick check-in to see if they fit the profile of an empath, Verywell Mind offers a concise quiz. This assessment focuses heavily on the “signs” of being an empath, such as feeling drained in crowds or needing significant alone time to recharge.

It helps distinguish between being a highly sensitive person (HSP) and an empath, offering clarity for those confused by the terminology.

• Why take it: It is fast, accessible, and provides immediate context for your feelings.
• Where to find it: Take the Verywell Mind Empath Quiz.

5. Psychologia

If you want to move away from academic scales and look at experiential evidence, Psychologia is a great option. Their test focuses on how often you experience specific empathetic phenomena. The results place you in categories ranging from low to high empathy, helping you understand how your sensitivity affects your daily social interactions.

Published December 27, 2025

Many of us spend our lives searching for happiness, thinking it comes from material things like fancy cars or the latest gadgets. We chase these items, believing they hold the key. Yet, sometimes, achieving these goals can leave us feeling empty. So, where can we find true happiness?

There isn’t a single answer that works for everyone. Happiness is a personal journey, and its meaning is different for each of us. It’s not something you find, but something you create through your actions and mindset. The way you live your life has a direct impact on your joy and the joy of those around you.

If you’re looking for a place to start, this simple guide can help you build a more fulfilling life.

A Practical Guide to Everyday Happiness

Live Within Your Means

True contentment doesn’t come from accumulating debt. You can find joy without financial strain by simply spending what you can afford. Remember, many of the most valuable experiences in life, like spending time with loved ones or enjoying nature, are free.

Return What You Borrow

Trust is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship. When you return items you’ve borrowed, you show respect and reliability. This simple act strengthens bonds and builds a reputation as a trustworthy person.

Take Responsibility for Your Actions

Blaming others is an easy way out, but it rarely solves problems. When you point a finger at someone else, it’s often a way to avoid looking at your own role. Owning your actions, both good and bad, is a powerful step toward personal growth and maturity.

Admit When You Are Wrong

Everyone makes mistakes; they are a natural part of learning and growing. The important thing is to acknowledge when you’ve made an error and be willing to make it right. Humility and the courage to admit fault are signs of strength, not weakness.

Donate Clothes You No Longer Wear

Those clothes sitting in the back of your closet could bring warmth and comfort to someone in need. Instead of letting them gather dust, consider donating them to a local shelter or soup kitchen. The feeling of helping others brings a unique and lasting happiness that material possessions cannot match.

Do Good Deeds Quietly

Consider doing something kind for someone without seeking recognition. Helping others because it’s the right thing to do, not for public praise, makes the act more meaningful. True generosity comes from the heart, not the desire for an audience.

Listen More and Talk Less

You can learn so much about the world and yourself by truly listening to others. When you take the time to understand different perspectives, you open yourself up to new ideas and deeper connections. It can transform how you see things and enrich your own life.

Take a 30-Minute Walk Each Day

A daily walk does more than just benefit your physical health. It provides a chance to clear your mind, think more clearly, and process your thoughts. Studies have shown that regular physical activity, like walking, can also be effective in reducing symptoms of depression.

Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection

It’s healthy to want to do your best, but chasing perfection is an impossible goal that often leads to frustration. Allow yourself the grace to be human. It’s okay to fail or fall short sometimes. What matters most is that you gave it your best effort.

Be on Time and Keep Your Word

Punctuality is a simple yet powerful way to show respect for others. It communicates that you value their time as much as your own. When you are consistently on time and avoid making excuses, people learn they can count on you.

Get Organized Instead of Arguing

Arguments often waste time and energy, leaving everyone involved feeling upset and stressed. Instead of engaging in conflict, focus on finding organized solutions. A calm, structured approach is more productive and leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Be Kind, Especially to Those Who Aren’t

Treat everyone with kindness, even those who may not be kind to you. You never know what personal battles someone is facing. A little compassion can go a long way and might be exactly what that person needs.

Make Time for Solitude

Spending time alone isn’t about being lonely; it’s about reconnecting with yourself. Solitude gives you the space to gather your thoughts, reflect on your life, and understand yourself on a deeper level. It’s a necessary practice for self-awareness and peace.

Published December 18, 2025

Kindness can feel like a superpower. A single thoughtful act has the power to turn a bad day around, give hope when someone feels lost, and remind us that we’re all connected. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture that costs a lot of money or takes hours of your time. Often, the smallest things make the biggest difference.

Think of kindness like a little spark. It can light up someone’s world, and you never know how far that light will travel. It’s a choice we get to make every single day. If you’re looking for ways to spread a little more goodness, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are some simple, random acts of kindness you can try today.

Everyday Acts of Kindness

These are small things you can weave into your daily routine.

1. Encourage someone who looks down. A simple, “You’ve got this,” can mean the world to someone who is struggling.
2. Say “please” and “thank you.” These simple words show respect and appreciation. When you say them, look the person in the eye and really mean it.
3. Hold the door open for someone. It’s a small, classic gesture that says, “I see you.”
4. Don’t interrupt when someone is talking. Giving someone your full attention makes them feel heard and valued.
5. Give an honest compliment. Notice someone’s great idea in a meeting or how they handled a tough situation? Tell them. Specific compliments are incredibly powerful.
6. Ask someone how they are—and truly listen. Don’t just accept “I’m fine.” Ask a follow-up question and give them space to share what’s really on their mind.
7. Make someone laugh. Share a funny story or a silly joke. Laughter is a wonderful way to connect and lift spirits.
8. Be kind to yourself. You deserve kindness too. Take a break, forgive yourself for a mistake, or celebrate a small win.
9. Put your shopping cart back. It’s a simple act of tidiness that makes things easier for employees and other shoppers.
10. Return something you borrowed. Bring it back in the same or better condition than when you received it.
11. Talk to someone new. Whether at school, work, or in your community, striking up a conversation can make someone feel included.
12. Stop to let a pedestrian cross the street. A little patience makes the road safer and less stressful for everyone.
13. Learn the names of people you see every day. Greet your security guard, barista, or mail carrier by name. It shows them they are more than just a part of the background.
14. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. We rarely know the full story of what someone is going through. Assume they have good intentions.
15. Take a day off from complaining. Try to focus only on the positive for 24 hours and see how it changes your perspective.

Kindness in Your Community

Look for opportunities to help those right in your neighborhood.

1. Volunteer for a cause you believe in. Giving your time is one of the most valuable things you can offer.
2. Pick up trash you see on the sidewalk. Taking pride in your community keeps it beautiful for everyone.
3. Donate things you no longer use. Your old clothes, books, or furniture could be exactly what someone else needs.
4. Help an elderly person with their groceries. Offer to carry their bags to their car or home.
5. Offer your seat on a crowded bus or train. Give your spot to someone who is pregnant, elderly, or looks like they’ve had a long day.
6. Plant a tree or start a small garden. It’s a gift to the environment and to future generations.
7. Cook an extra portion of your meal. Share it with a neighbor who is going through a tough time or living alone.
8. Help a sick or stray animal. Take it to a local shelter or vet to get the care it needs.
9. Pay for a veteran’s meal or coffee. It’s a small way to thank them for their immense service to our country.
10. Donate food to a local soup kitchen. A can of soup or a box of pasta can become part of a warm, comforting meal for someone in need.
11. Carry around pet food for stray dogs and cats. A small meal can make a huge difference for an animal living on the streets.
12. Keep an extra umbrella at work. Lend it to a coworker who gets caught in an unexpected rainstorm.
13. Take a minute to give someone directions. Even if you’re in a hurry, a moment of your time can save someone else a lot of stress.
14. Help someone for free. Offer your skills, whether it’s fixing a computer, proofreading a resume, or helping someone move a heavy box, without asking for anything in return.
15. Donate your hair after a haircut. Organizations can use it to create wigs for patients who have lost their hair during medical treatments.

Digital Acts of Kindness

In our connected world, you can be kind with just a few clicks.

1. Post something positive online. Share an inspiring quote, a beautiful photo, or a happy news story to brighten up your followers’ feeds.
2. Leave a positive comment on a post. Go beyond just a “like” and write something encouraging or appreciative.
3. Write a glowing review for a small business. Your kind words can help a local shop or restaurant attract new customers.
4. Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. A simple text message asking, “How have you been?” can rekindle a connection and show you care.
5. Share a creator’s work and give them credit. Help someone’s art, music, or writing find a new audience.
6. Thank a service professional online. If you received great customer service, find the company on social media and give that employee a public shout-out.
7. Send an encouraging email. Brighten a coworker’s or friend’s inbox with a message of support.

Kindness to Friends & Family

Show the people closest to you how much they mean.

1. Be a friend who listens without judgment. Sometimes, people just need a safe space to talk.
2. Tell someone you love, “I love you.” Don’t assume they already know. Say it often.
3. Let people have their moment. When a friend achieves something, let them enjoy the spotlight instead of sharing your own accomplishments.
4. Allow someone to help you. Accepting kindness from others is an act of kindness itself. It makes them feel needed and valued.
5. Share a great book you’ve just read. Pass on a story that moved you.
6. Give someone a chance. An opportunity can be the one thing a person needs to change their life.
7. Tell the truth with compassion. Honesty is important, but delivering it with gentleness can make all the difference.
8. Reach out to someone going through a tough time. Your support can be a lifeline.

Published October 16, 2025

The “pursuit of happiness” is a right guaranteed in the United States Declaration of Independence, but what does it really mean to chase it? The definition of happiness itself is different for everyone.

For some, it might mean financial freedom. Yet, we know that wealth doesn’t always equal contentment. For others, happiness is found in small, daily actions, like making someone else smile or living each day to its fullest. This journey is personal, and the path is unique for each of us.

To offer some perspective on this universal quest, here is a collection of insightful quotes about the pursuit of happiness.

Pursuit of Happiness Quotes

1. Very little is needed to make a happy life. It is all within YOURSELF in your way of thinking. – Marcus Aurelius
2. The Constitution only guarantees you the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. – Benjamin Franklin
3. Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination. – Roy Goodman
4. The pursuit of happiness is a most ridiculous phrase: if you pursue happiness you’ll never find it. – Carrie Snow
5. Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. – Thomas Jefferson
6. If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have a paradise in a few years. – Bertrand Russell
7. To live happily is an inward power of the soul. – Aristotle
8. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow. – Buddha
9. The purpose of our lives is to be happy. – The 14th Dalai Lama
10. Positivity, confidence, and persistence are key in life, so never give up on yourself. – Khalid
11. Happiness is found in doing, not merely possessing. – Napoleon Hill
12. I think the pursuit of happiness is the pursuit of reality because illusion never leaves us ultimately happy. – Parker Palmer
13. Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence. – Aristotle
14. Action may not bring happiness but there is no happiness without action. – William James
15. There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things that are beyond the power of our will. – Epictetus
16. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. – Mohandas Gandhi
17. It takes great wit and interest and energy to be happy. The pursuit of happiness is a great activity. One must be open and alive. It is the greatest feat man has to accomplish. – Robert Herrick
18. Some people cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go. – Oscar Wilde
19. Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is. – Maxim Gorky
20. There’s no more powerful lesson than knowing that your setbacks will one day help you succeed. – Reshma Saujani
21. Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it. – Groucho Marx
22. Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success. – Herman Cain
23. Essentially pursuit of happiness is saying, everything’s allowed until we come down on it. – Howard Rheingold
24. It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit. – Denis Waitley
25. Ironically, the pursuit of happiness can lead us into the eternal trap of chasing unhappiness. – Justin Kan
26. If you so choose, even the unexpected setbacks can bring new and positive possibilities. If you so choose, you can find value and fulfillment in every circumstance. – Ralph Marston
27. The high road and positivity is never the easy way but always the best way. – Nancy Wilson
28. It is the pursuit of happiness that brings us happiness, and not the happiness achieved. – Jack White
29. Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy. – Guillaume Apollinaire
30. Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities. – Aldous Huxley
31. A happy life must be to a great extent a quiet life, for it is only in an atmosphere of quiet that true joy dare live. – Bertrand Russel
32. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. – Thomas Jefferson
33. Remember to pause and take in the beauty of the present moment in your pursuit of happines – Shree Shambav
34. Happiness doesn’t mean checking all the boxes, Happiness means to stop putting life in boxes. – Abhijit Naskar
35. Happiness never lays its finger on its pulse. – Adam Smith
36. The true pursuit of happiness is in the discovery of who you are, what you’re made of, and who you’re meant to be. – Mandy Hale
37. Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion. – Tony Hsieh
38. The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness. – Eric Hoffer
39. For many men, the acquisition of wealth does not end their troubles, it only changes them. – Seneca
40. Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination. – Mark Twain
41. Do not look for happiness in the same place you lost it. – Anonymous
42. Those who can laugh without cause have either found the true meaning of happiness or have gone stark raving mad. – Norm Papernick
43. Be happy with what you have. Be excited about what you want. – Alan Cohen
44. Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like. – Anonymous
45. Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. – Earl Nightingale

Quotes from the “Pursuit of Happyness” Movie

When discussing the pursuit of happiness, it’s hard not to think of the film “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Based on the true story of a man who went from homeless to a wealthy entrepreneur, the movie is a powerful source of inspiration. Its plot and emotional scenes offer many memorable quotes about life and the chase for happiness. Here are some of them:

1. The balance in your life is more important than the balance in your checking account.
2. The money thing will come. I know so many people who have so much more money than I. They are miserable. It is so important to be happy.
3. It’s okay to fail; it’s not okay to quit.
4. I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.
5. Don’t just talk that talk, walk it and go forward. Also, the walk didn’t have to be long strides; baby steps counted too. Go forward.
6. Always, always, pursue happiness.
7. It can be done, but you have to make it happen.
8. Others may look for all kinds of ways to diminish your worth. But what is inside you no one can take from you or tarnish.
9. Wealth can also be that attitude of gratitude with which we remind ourselves everyday to count our blessings.
10. There is no plan B for passion.
11. Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.
12. I was homeless, but I wasn’t hopeless. I knew a better day was coming.
13. The world is your oyster. It’s up to you to find the pearls.
14. Strong people stand up for themselves. Stronger people stand up for others.
15. I am strong because I’ve been weak. I am fearless because I’ve been afraid. I am wise because I’ve been foolish.
16. Claim ownership of your dreams.
17. You can only count on yourself. The cavalry ain’t coming.
18. The secret to success: find something you love to do so much, you can’t wait for the sun to rise to do it all over again.
19. It was right then that I started thinking about Thomas Jefferson on the Declaration of Independence and the part about our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And I remember thinking how did he know to put the pursuit part in there? That maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. No matter what. How did he know that?
20. The future was uncertain, absolutely, and there were many hurdles, twists, and turns to come, but as long as I kept moving forward, one foot in front of the other, the voices of fear and shame, the messages from those who wanted to believe that I wasn’t good enough, would be stilled.

Published Sept 30, 2025

The word “charity” often brings to mind grand gestures and large donations. While financial support is vital, the true meaning of charity is much broader. It’s about the voluntary act of helping those in need and showing kindness and tolerance in our daily lives.

Many believe you need to be wealthy to be charitable, but that simply isn’t true. The size of the gift does not measure charity, but by the love and intent behind it. It’s found in small, everyday actions: welcoming a stranger, helping someone across the street, or simply making another person feel seen and valued.

Practicing charity enriches our own lives as much as it helps others. Let these quotes inspire you to find ways, big and small, to make a difference and encourage others to do the same.

On the Joy and Impact of Giving

Giving doesn’t just help the receiver; it brings immense fulfillment and purpose to the giver. These quotes explore the profound joy that comes from sharing what we have with others.

1. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
2. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
3. “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” – Maya Angelou
4. “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan
5. “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa
6. “Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
7. “As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled.” – Victor Hugo
8. “Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.” – John D. Rockefeller Jr.
9. “For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi
10. “Our mind is enriched by what we receive, our heart by what we give.” – Victor Hugo
11. “The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.” – Lao Tzu
12. “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington

Kindness in Action

Charity often manifests as simple acts of kindness. A small gesture can lighten a heavy burden and create a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond the initial act.

1. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
2. “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – Charles Dickens
3. “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Sam Levenson
4. “A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog when you are just as hungry as the dog.” – Jack London
5. “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi
6. “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa
7. “What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?” – George Eliot
8. “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” – John Holmes
9. “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
10. “Help others without any reason and give without the expectation of receiving anything in return.” – Roy T. Bennett
11. “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana

Charity, Wisdom, and Spirituality

For many, charity is a core tenet of their faith and philosophy. These quotes reflect on the spiritual and moral dimensions of giving and its role in living a virtuous life.

1. “Charity brings to life again those who are spiritually dead.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
2. “In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity.” – Richard Baxter
3. “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
4. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
5. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – St. Paul
6. “Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.” – St. Francis of Assisi
7. “Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven.” – Henry Ward Beecher
8. “The charitable give out at the door, and God puts in at the window.” – John Ray
9. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Mohammed Ali
10. “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” – Martin Luther King Jr.