“If you would make a man happy,
add not to his wants,
but subtract from the sum
of his desires.”
The quote “If you would make a man happy, add not to his wants, but subtract from the sum of his desires” is attributed to French philosopher and mathematician François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire. Voltaire was a prominent figure during the Enlightenment period in the 18th century and is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers and thinkers of his time. In a world driven by materialism and the relentless pursuit of desires, French philosopher and writer Voltaire offers a profound insight into the nature of happiness. His quote, “If you would make a man happy, add not to his wants, but subtract from the sum of his desires,” encapsulates the idea that true contentment lies not in accumulating more possessions, but in simplifying our desires. In this article, we explore Voltaire’s wisdom and how it can guide us toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
