Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Mary Lavin

Quote by Mary Lavin

“"Take my own father! You know what he said in his last moments? On his deathbed, he defied me to name a man who had enjoyed a better life. In spite of the dreadful pain, his face radiated happiness," said Mother, nodding her head comfortably. "Happiness drives out pain, as fire burns out fire."”

Quote by Mary Lavin

Work

Happiness, and other stories

This book is a compilation of short narratives that delve into the complexities of happiness and related emotional states, offering readers a variety of perspectives on the human experience. more

Author

Mary Lavin
Mary Lavin

Mary Lavin was an Irish short story writer known for her profound portrayal of County Cork. Her works often focus on female characters, particularly those who are socially and economically constrained. Lavin's writing is praised for its delicate emotions and profound insights. more

You May Also Like

“I have lived large parts of my life in wonderful circumstances that I utterly failed to appreciate. Reasons to be happy were everywhere, but somehow I didn't connect with them. It was as though I was eating but couldn't taste the food. Finally, I've learned to celebrate the good while it's happening. I feel gratitude and praise today for what are sometimes such simple pleasures. I have learned that happiness is not determined by circumstances. Happiness is not what happens when everything goes the way you think it should go; happiness is what happens when you decide to be happy.”

“When we focus on the song of our soul and heart, then others will be touched similarly. Sometimes people wonder or worry whether people will like or approve of their creative expression. It's none of your business. It's your business to stay present and focused for the work of your deepest dreams. It might look crooked or strange, or be very odd- but if it delights you, then it is yours, and will find its way into other hearts.”

“The human species has all but lost its heart; we gave it up for the illusionary fruits of the material world. But a life without heart is a life without life force. The psyche, as well as the body, needs both heart and brain in order to survive. Like Chinese women who bound their feet and the could no longer walk freely, we have bound our hearts, and thus stunted our growth as moral beings.”

“The experience I'm talking about has given me one certainty: the salvation of this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human power to reflect, in human meekness and in human responsibility. Without a global revolution in human consciousness, nothing will change for the better, and the catastrophe toward which this world is headed will be unavoidable.”