Tracy Kidder: 'You do the right thing even if it makes you feel bad. The purpose of life is not to be happy but to be worthy of happiness.'

You do the right thing even if it makes you feel bad. The purpose of life is not to be happy but to be worthy of happiness.

Tracy Kidder's quote, "You do the right thing even if it makes you feel bad. The purpose of life is not to be happy but to be worthy of happiness," encapsulates a thought-provoking perspective on living a fulfilling life. In a straightforward sense, the quote conveys the notion that our actions should not be solely driven by personal happiness, but rather by a sense of moral integrity and the desire to be deserving of happiness. This idea challenges the common belief that pursuing happiness is the ultimate goal in life.At first glance, Kidder's quote may seem counterintuitive. We are often taught that seeking happiness is a fundamental human right and the very purpose of our existence. However, Kidder encourages us to transcend this narrow pursuit of self-gratification and consider the broader implications of our actions.To fully appreciate the depth of this quote, let us introduce the concept of ethical hedonism. Ethical hedonism posits that the ultimate goal in life is to maximize pleasure and minimize pain for oneself and others ethically. While it may seem synonymous with the pursuit of happiness, ethical hedonism emphasizes the importance of moral responsibility and the notion that true happiness lies in living virtuously.In contrast to ethical hedonism, Kidder's quote challenges us to prioritize doing what is morally right over seeking personal happiness. It acknowledges that sometimes, doing the right thing can make us feel bad in the short term. This notion resonates with the moral conflicts and dilemmas we often face in our lives, where our actions may require us to make sacrifices or confront difficult emotions.Being truly worthy of happiness demands that we act in accordance with our values, even when it contradicts our immediate desires or brings discomfort. In essence, the quote prompts us to evaluate the consequences of our actions beyond our own happiness, considering the impact on others and society as a whole. It urges us to cultivate a sense of integrity and purpose that transcends momentary gratification.Navigating the complexities of life can be challenging, and striving for happiness alone can sometimes lead us astray. The concept presented by Kidder invites us to adopt a higher standard for ourselves, one in which we find fulfillment through our actions aligning with our values. By doing so, we not only become worthy of happiness but also promote a more compassionate and just world.Ultimately, Kidder's quote beckons us to contemplate the bigger picture and embrace a more profound understanding of happiness. It encourages us to view happiness not as an end in itself, but as a byproduct of a life lived ethically and with purpose. The quote serves as a reminder that true happiness is not found in the absence of discomfort but in the knowledge that our actions are in line with our deepest convictions.In conclusion, Tracy Kidder's quote presents a compelling perspective on the purpose of life and challenges our conventional understanding of happiness. It calls us to prioritize doing the right thing, even when it conflicts with our immediate desires or brings discomfort. By embracing this mindset, we become worthy of happiness and contribute to a more harmonious and meaningful existence. So, let us strive to live lives that transcend personal happiness and instead prioritize the pursuit of virtue, integrity, and moral responsibility.