
“Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.”
Part II, Ch. I
The Possessed (1872)
.
The Story of My Life (trans. Sartarelli/Hawkes 2001), Preface, p. 10
Referenced
Variant: [H]appy or miserable, life is the only blessing which man possesses[. ]
“Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.”
Part II, Ch. I
The Possessed (1872)
“Life was treasure. The only treasure.”
Source: Imago (1989), Chapter I, “Metamorphosis” section 6 (p. 564)
“You can't have a happy life and an unhappy relationship - it's a contradiction.”
Fernbank, London, England October, 1971
1970s
Variant: If you want external happiness, it can be an elusive desire. Internal happiness needs only to be revealed. It is not elusive because it is within you. It is your treasure. If you take someone else's treasure, it is stealing, but if you turn to your own, it is not. Happiness is your own treasure because it lies within you.
“I've had a lot of unhappiness in my life — and a lot of happiness. Who doesn't?”
AP reports, (1 November 1963)
Context: I've had a lot of unhappiness in my life — and a lot of happiness. Who doesn't? Maybe I've learned enough to be able to guide my daughters.