Can you help me with the meaning of this quote?

Question

"To be happy, do not add to your possessions, but subtract from your desires."

Answer 1

If you want to be happy in life, don't try to collect treasures, toys, things. Instead, stop focusing on what you want and think about how you can contribute to making things better for someone else.

Something you learn when you volunteer is that once you focus on helping someone else, your own problems, needs, concerns, issues, etc. sort of become less important or troublesome and you begin to appreciate what you have rather than what you don't.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The responders have already shared great answers.

I agree that it means that to be happy you need to want or desire less. Most people, to find happiness, seem to desparately buy more and more "stuff". We even have garages full of the junk we have purchased and don't use. Like another statement - "Less is more". If you simplify your life, reduce excess you can reduce stress, be more organized, enjoy and utilize what you have, and enjoy other pleasures in life. Instead of adding more possessions most of us need to add more time and intimacy with others to increase our happiness.

Answer 3

There is no end to human desires; they do not lead to fulfillment but ever greater thirst. The way to learn to live in a desire-filled mind is to introduce the concept of "enough", also called contentment.

The fewer desires you have, the less disturbance in the mind, and the more peace becomes a normal part of your mind.

;-)

Answer 4

I think its saying that happiness comes from personal achievement and satisfaction rather than material possessions. How much you own, like money, will not make a difference when it comes to being truely happy with yourself.

Answer 5

In our pursuit of happiness we must be going about it all wrong, for happiness seems to have become a rare commodity among the general population. Some people in their pursuit of happiness are spending themselves into financial ruin in an attempt to capture it. But it seems the harder they try, the more futile their quest.

Answer 6

It's simple. Want what you've got, and remember, the best things in life really are free. When you've mastered this, you will be happy.

Answer 7

I think it means that things will not make you happy but being content with what you already have will

Answer 8

seems easy enough, instead of hoarding stuff, try not to need a few things. It could be material or mental stuff.
someone once told me to make a list of things I need and then instead of buying what's on it, to try and remove what I can live without.

Answer 9

Lower your expectations

Be happy by needing less

Answer 10

You can be happy,with what you have without desiring more items.