“Men can only be happy when they do not assume that the object of life is happiness.”
- June 25, 1903 – January 21, 1950
- Born in India during the British colonial period
- Author, journalist
- Through his representative works “1984” and “Animal Farm,” he presented sharp criticism of totalitarianism and the abuse of power, greatly influencing contemporary literature and thought.
Quote
“Men can only be happy when they do not assume that the object of life is happiness.”
Explanation
In this quote, George Orwell suggests that true happiness comes from the rejection of the belief that the primary goal of life is to be happy. Orwell challenges the common assumption that life’s purpose is the pursuit of personal pleasure or satisfaction. Instead, he implies that people find contentment and fulfillment when they focus on more meaningful pursuits—such as personal growth, service, or social responsibility—rather than constantly seeking the elusive goal of happiness. The idea is that by releasing the expectation of constant happiness, individuals can experience a more authentic and balanced life, one that is shaped by a deeper sense of purpose or contribution.
Orwell was deeply critical of the ways in which modern society, particularly through consumerism and political ideologies, encourages individuals to equate happiness with material wealth or personal success. His critiques of capitalism, as seen in The Road to Wigan Pier and 1984, underscore how the pursuit of happiness in these forms can lead to emptiness, alienation, and a lack of fulfillment. Orwell believed that by constantly striving for an idealized version of happiness, people can miss out on the more complex and meaningful aspects of life—such as solidarity, intellectual engagement, or the pursuit of justice. For Orwell, true happiness often comes from engagement with the world in a way that goes beyond personal gain.
This idea remains relevant today, especially in the context of modern capitalism and social media, where individuals are constantly told to pursue happiness through consumption or the attainment of status. The pressure to be constantly happy, or to project happiness, often leads to stress, discontent, and burnout. Orwell’s quote encourages a redefinition of happiness, one that is not centered around personal pleasure but around more meaningful, selfless endeavors. It reminds us that true happiness may lie in living a life aligned with our values, contributing to society, and embracing the ups and downs of life, rather than constantly chasing an idealized sense of joy.
