Life everlasting in a state of happiness is the greatest desire of all men.

In this quote, Joseph Franklin Rutherford suggests that the greatest desire of humanity is the pursuit of life everlasting in a state of happiness. He implies that all people, regardless of background or circumstance, share a universal yearning for eternal peace, joy, and fulfillment. The idea of life everlasting speaks to a longing for immortality, and the state of happiness reflects the idea that eternal life would be ideal if it were filled with contentment and bliss.

Rutherford’s statement taps into a deeply human desire for security and perpetual well-being. By envisioning an existence free from suffering and filled with constant happiness, people find comfort in the hope that life could transcend its inherent challenges. This longing for an idealized, perfect life aligns with many religious and philosophical teachings about the afterlife, where the ultimate reward is often depicted as eternal happiness or peace.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Rutherford's religious beliefs, particularly within the context of his role as a prominent leader of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Rutherford, who served as the second president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, promoted the idea that eternal life in the Kingdom of God would be a state of eternal happiness. His teachings often focused on the promise of divine fulfillment in an afterlife free from sin and suffering, aligning with the notion of life everlasting.

Ultimately, Rutherford’s quote highlights the idea that happiness and immortality are the ultimate goals and desires of human existence. The notion of eternal happiness reflects a universal longing for peace and satisfaction that transcends the limitations of mortal life. This desire speaks to a deep yearning for both spiritual fulfillment and the assurance of an existence where suffering is no longer present, and happiness is eternal.