There is only one way to achieve happiness on this terrestrial ball, and that is to have either a clear conscience or none at all.

The quote by Ogden Nash, "There is only one way to achieve happiness on this terrestrial ball, and that is to have either a clear conscience or none at all," offers a sharp commentary on the relationship between happiness and conscience. Nash suggests that peace of mind and contentment come from either living with a clear conscience, free from guilt and moral conflicts, or from choosing to live without any sense of conscience, where one is unaffected by feelings of wrongdoing. The idea is that inner peace cannot coexist with moral ambiguity—either you live honestly and openly or detach yourself entirely from moral concerns.

Nash’s use of "clear conscience" refers to the sense of moral clarity and integrity that comes from knowing you have acted in accordance with your values. This state allows for happiness because it eliminates the weight of guilt or regret. On the other hand, he also suggests that those who choose to live without a conscience—who make peace with their actions regardless of their morality—can also achieve a form of happiness, though it may be at the cost of ethical consideration.

The idea that happiness depends on moral clarity or detachment presents an interesting perspective on personal peace. Nash essentially argues that people who are troubled by their actions or are constantly questioning their choices will struggle to find true happiness. Conversely, those who do not wrestle with their moral compass might avoid the inner turmoil that often hinders joy, but this could come with its own moral cost.

The origin of this quote lies in Ogden Nash's characteristic wit and humor. Known for his playful yet insightful poetry, Nash often used humor to explore deeper human truths. In this quote, he presents a somewhat cynical view of happiness, suggesting that inner peace can only be achieved by either living with moral clarity or choosing to forgo moral concerns altogether. His words are a reminder that happiness often hinges on how we reconcile our actions with our inner values.