What better is there to sigh for than happiness, yesterday's or tomorrow's.

The quote "What better is there to sigh for than happiness, yesterday's or tomorrow's." by Ben Hecht reflects a deep reflection on the transient nature of happiness and the longing for it, whether it be from the past or the future. Hecht highlights the human tendency to yearn for happiness—whether nostalgic for the happiness of the past (yesterday's) or hopeful for the joy that might come in the future (tomorrow's). The word "sigh" suggests a sense of longing or regret, as if the speaker is yearning for something that feels distant or elusive, capturing the universal experience of chasing happiness.

Hecht's statement implies that happiness is often seen as something we either miss or anticipate, rather than something we experience fully in the present moment. It reflects the notion that people are often preoccupied with the past or future, believing that happiness lies either behind them or ahead of them, rather than appreciating the present. This longing for a happiness that is out of reach emphasizes the impermanence of joy and the way human beings often feel dissatisfied with their current situation, always reaching for a sense of fulfillment that may never truly arrive.

The origin of this quote comes from Hecht's career as a screenwriter, playwright, and journalist known for his witty and often reflective commentary on life. Hecht's exploration of emotions, especially love and happiness, in his works often captured the complexities of human feelings. This quote, in particular, taps into the idea that people constantly chase an ideal of happiness, either lost in nostalgia or hoping for a future that may not live up to expectations.

Ultimately, Hecht’s quote serves as a reminder of how happiness is often perceived as a fleeting or elusive emotion that people chase, either through memories or hopes for the future. It encourages a contemplation of how satisfaction and peace might be found not by longing for what was or what could be, but by seeking fulfillment in the present moment.