Einstein’s Theory of Happiness

While visiting Japan in November 1922, Albert Einstein wrote in a piece of paper in his hotel this succinct theory of happiness:

“A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest.”

The note, handwritten in German language, was sold at auction in Jerusalem, Israel, in October 2017 for 1.56 million, US dollars.

According to Theosophy, however, Einstein’s idea in itself is worth much more than that sum, and yet, it cannot be sold, or bought. Its value is above the uncertain laws of marketing.

The axiom belongs to the wisdom of all time. Worded in various ways by different religions and philosophies, the idea, well expressed by Einstein, is freely available to every human being of good sense.

The Buddhist Dhammapada says:

“Better than a man who conquers in battles a thousand times a thousand men is he who conquers himself. He indeed is the mightiest of warriors.” [1]

A strikingly similar principle is present in the Jewish Pirke Avoth:

“…He that rules his spirit is better than one who conquers a city.” [2] The same Mishnah in the Pirke Avoth says: “Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot”. And Irving M. Bunim comments:

“The key that unlocks the riches in all things is the ability to be happy with your immediate circumstances, no matter what they are. This is a skill that lies within a person’s own reach; it does not depend on the fulfilment of desires or the satisfaction of needs. And it can be achieved only when you have a sense of self-realization, a sense of meaning in your existence.” [3]

The Jewish Tanakh and the Christian Bible touch the same point in Proverbs, 16: 31-33:

“Gray hair is a crown of glory;

It is attained by the way of righteousness.

Better to be forbearing than mighty,

To have self-control than to conquer a city.”

The lesson recorded by Einstein in his 1922 note belongs to Eastern and Western scriptures alike. It is central to Chinese Taoism. It is taught in classical Stoicism, being prominent in the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus and Lucius Seneca. It has been adopted by Christian mystics. The principle of abstinence is of decisive importance in the Yoga of Patanjali. It is one of the main topics in the classical book “The Duties of the Heart”, by the Jewish sage Bahya ibn Paquda.

Examples are many.

True, millions of people prefer to ignore such a fundamental view of happiness. And this is because they lack a deeper sense of self-esteem. One must know first-hand the value of his own life, before one is able to strive for the best and to live up to the moral precepts of universal wisdom.

“Laziness induces sleep, and a negligent person will go hungry. He who has regard for his life pays regard to commandments”. [4]

A feeling of self-respect leads to firm, moderate action. The approval of our own conscience allows us to practice self-restraint; and voluntary simplicity paves the way to mutual help. A modest attitude before life makes a solidarity possible whose result is lasting peace.

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NOTES:

[1] “The Dhammapada”, with explanatory notes and a short essay on Buddha’s Thought, The Theosophy Company, Los Angeles, California, 1955, 139 pages. See chapter eight, p. 23.

[2] “Ethics from Sinai”, an eclectic, wide-ranging commentary on Pirke Avoth, by Irving M. Bunim, 3-volume edition, Philipp Feldheim, Inc., New York, copyright 1964, see volume II, Perek IV, Mishnah 1, p. 3.

[3] “Ethics from Sinai”, by Irving M. Bunim, Philipp Feldheim, Inc., New York, vol. II, p. 8.

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See more on Einstein’s note about happiness in The Times of Israel.

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