Happiness in this world, when it comes, comes incidentally. Make it the object of pursuit, and it leads us a wild-goose chase, and is never attained. Follow some other object, and very possibly we may find that we have caught happiness without dreaming of it.

The quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne, "Happiness in this world, when it comes, comes incidentally. Make it the object of pursuit, and it leads us a wild-goose chase, and is never attained. Follow some other object, and very possibly we may find that we have caught happiness without dreaming of it," suggests that happiness is not something that can be directly chased or pursued. Instead, it often arrives unexpectedly as a by-product of following a different goal or purpose. Hawthorne argues that when we focus too intensely on finding happiness, it becomes elusive and difficult to attain. However, by focusing on other meaningful pursuits, we may find happiness along the way.

The origin of this quote comes from Nathaniel Hawthorne, an American novelist and short story writer known for works such as The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. Hawthorne often explored themes of moral complexity, self-reflection, and the consequences of human desires in his writings. His perspective on happiness reflects his belief that it cannot be found through mere desire or ambition but rather arises naturally when we are engaged in something meaningful or worthy.

Hawthorne’s statement emphasizes that happiness is an incident rather than a goal. When we set out to achieve happiness as our primary focus, it tends to slip away, leading us on a wild-goose chase. However, by pursuing other values—whether personal growth, helping others, or following our passions—happiness often comes without us realizing it. This perspective encourages us to focus on living authentically and with purpose, trusting that joy will follow naturally as a result.

Ultimately, this quote challenges the conventional notion that happiness is something we can directly attain. Hawthorne suggests that it is a side effect of pursuing things that are meaningful and fulfilling. By focusing on living a life of purpose and integrity, we may find that happiness comes to us incidentally, rather than through relentless pursuit.