How to Live in the World and Still Be Happy

Brenda Ueland’s quote in yesterday’s post reminds me of Hugh Prather’s book, How to Live in the World and Still Be Happy. He talks about concrete things we can do to be happier, but I don’t remember the details. The part that stuck for me was “Is it selfish to be happy given all the problems and suffering in the world?” That was a problem I wrestled with in high school, so Prather’s answer resonated with me. He said for him personally, that was the only way he knew to be kind.

That sentiment still resonates with me. It reminds me of the Dalai Lama’s,

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

That works for me.

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14 Responses to How to Live in the World and Still Be Happy

  1. MadSnapper says:

    To bad there are not more of us who try to be kind in this unkind world. I practice that when our shopping or when reading others blogs.. Kindness covers everything

  2. Ann Thompson says:

    I try to be kind but some people make it very difficult. For some reason this reminded me of a line from Carole King’s song, Child of mine. It’s I know you will be honest
    If you can’t always be kind,

  3. tomthebackroadstraveller says:

    …I wish that poeple’s religion was kindness.

  4. Myra+G. says:

    I try to remember, we never know what someone else may be going through … that a smile or kind word might make their day a little nicer. My mother always used to say, “A smile doesn’t cost anything.”

  5. That is very interesting. I do try to be kind to everyone. I like what Myra’s mother said to her.

  6. The OP Pack says:

    Kindness from more people could make the world such a different and better place to live. One of my daughters started a nonprofit for kids called KindCraft. The main purpose of the organization is to teach kids ways to be kind to others. Her program has been very successful. She IS making a difference.

  7. If I can’t be kind – I try to tolerate

    right now in our community there is a person who should be in care, and earlier this year one of the housekeepers said we should be kind

    but now that person is putting us all at risk with her overall “being” and I’m afraid even my toleration is waning. I have had to a few run ins with her, which has made it harder. I did nothing on those occasions but she got up and too close to me…I tried to say “go away in a nice” way but she more or less abused the hell out of me! I’m just trying to avoid her…

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