Inside every adult there's still a child that lingers. We're happiness merchants - giving people the opportunity to dream like children.

Guy Laliberté’s quote reflects the idea that inside every adult, there is still a child who yearns for the simplicity, wonder, and creativity of childhood. He suggests that as we grow older, the world often becomes more practical and less imaginative, but the child within us continues to exist, seeking joy and dreaming freely. Laliberté, known for co-founding the Cirque du Soleil, views his work as an opportunity to reconnect people with that inner child by offering them a chance to dream and experience happiness in a way that is uninhibited by the realities of adulthood.

In calling himself and others happiness merchants, Laliberté emphasizes the role of performers, artists, and creators in providing an avenue for others to experience joy and imagination, much like children do. By offering the opportunity to dream like children, he sees his work as a form of magic, where adults are encouraged to embrace wonder, creativity, and the boundless possibilities they once had as kids. For Laliberté, the act of dreaming and embracing happiness is central to his mission in life and art.

Laliberté’s background as a performer and visionary behind Cirque du Soleil positions this quote within the context of his work. His company has always been about more than just entertainment; it's about sparking the imagination and reigniting the childlike sense of wonder in adults. The idea of being a happiness merchant underscores the transformative power of art and performance, allowing audiences to reconnect with the child inside them and rediscover the joy and freedom of dreaming.

Ultimately, Laliberté’s quote is a reminder that happiness and creativity are timeless qualities, available to everyone regardless of age. It encourages us to nurture the child within, not just for the sake of nostalgia but to embrace the wonder and potential that come with a free and open mind. In offering people the opportunity to dream, we can tap into the deeper, more fulfilling aspects of life that often get overshadowed by the demands of adulthood.