How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The world was peopled with minds, whirling faster than any wind, in search of distraction and escape from the predicament of change, the dilemma of life and death—seeking purpose, security, enjoyment, trying to make sense of the mystery. Everyone everywhere lived a confused, bitter search. Reality never matched their dreams, happiness was just around the corner—a corner they never turned.
And the source of it all was the human mind. (1.107-108)
This revelation, from one of the visions Socrates gives Dan, looks at all the unhappiness in the world and says the human mind is to blame. Unlike, say, Atlas Shrugged, this book is 10,000,000,000% against the mind.
Quote #2
“Your "upset" at the ruined picnic and your "happiness" when the sun reappeared were the product of your thoughts. They had nothing to do with the actual events. Haven't you been "unhappy" at celebrations for example? It is obvious then that your mind, not other people or your surroundings, is the source of your moods.” (2.71)
Once again, the mind is to blame—this time for moods that are seemingly the result of changes outside Dan, such as the weather. Bad mind! Bad! No treat!
Quote #3
All these years I had been sustained by an illusion—happiness through victory—and now that illusion was burned to ashes. I was no happier, no more fulfilled, for all my achievements. [...] I saw that I had never learned how to enjoy life, only how to achieve. All my life I had been busy seeking happiness, not finding it. (5.196-197)
Achievements and victories don't bring happiness, in other words. This book is completely insistent upon that point.
Quote #4
"So keep practicing, Dan. Refine your senses a little more each day; stretch them, as you would in the gym. Finally, your awareness will pierce deeply into your body and into the world. Then you'll think less and feel more. That way you'll enjoy even the simplest things in life—no longer addicted to achievement or expensive entertainments." (6.43)
Socrates says you don't need a reason to be happy, but don't get the old man wrong—you still have to learn stuff in order to understand that truth. In this case, Socrates advises Dan to sharpen his awareness of sensory experiences: tastes, smells, and so on. That will help him focus on the present moment and not thinking. Stop thinking!
Quote #5
"The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less." (6.47)
You know what they say: It's the little things in life.
Quote #6
"You cannot attain happiness; it attains you—but only after you surrender everything else." (7.75)
Socrates is saying you can't find happiness by chasing it. You have to give up the search, and then it comes to you.
Quote #7
"A fool is "happy" when his cravings are satisfied. A warrior is happy without reason. That's what makes happiness the ultimate discipline—above all else I have taught you. Happiness is not just something you feel—it is who you are." (8.22)
It takes discipline, Socrates says, to become someone who is happy regardless of whatever is going on in life. It's not a passing feeling, but a way of living. Sounds pretty nifty.
Quote #8
"Dan," he said softly, "this is the final task I will ever give you, and it goes on forever. Act happy, be happy, without a reason in the world. Then you can love, and do what you will." (8.23)
This is a key message of the book: You don't need reasons to be happy. Maybe you agree with Socrates, maybe you don't—check out the Questions section of this guide for other views.
Quote #9
"Feelings change, Dan. Sometimes sorrow, sometimes joy. But beneath it all remember the innate perfection of your life unfolding. That is the secret of unreasonable happiness." (8.25)
Even if you're a peaceful warrior, unpleasant feelings will come and go, according to Socrates. But the point is to remember how perfect and wonderful your life is, so you'll be happy regardless.
Quote #10
And so I awoke to reality, free of any meaning or any search. What could there possibly be to search for? All of Soc's words had come alive with my death. This was the paradox of it all, the humor of it all, and the great change. All searches, all achievements, all goals, were equally enjoyable, and equally unnecessary." (8.78)
Realizing that death is just another illusion is the gate through which Dan finally goes in order to become happy without needing goals or achievements or a search for reasons behind life.