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Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.

Eleanor Roosevelt

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Happiness is a By-Product

Topic: Joy & Happiness

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, born on October 11, 1884, and passing away on November 7, 1962, was a significant American political figure, diplomat, and activist. Her service as the First Lady of the United States from March 1933 to April 1945, alongside her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his four terms in office, marked her as the longest-serving First Lady of the United States. Her tenure as First Lady was just the beginning of a long and impactful career in public service, showcasing her commitment to various social and political causes.

Following her role as First Lady, Roosevelt transitioned into a diplomatic position, serving as the United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly from 1945 to 1952. This role significantly contributed to her reputation as a dedicated advocate for human rights. Her work in promoting human rights on an international stage was groundbreaking, bringing attention to issues that were often overlooked, and working towards creating a world where human rights were recognized and protected.

Eleanor Roosevelt's legacy is marked by her dedication to human rights, her service to her country, and her continuous advocacy for the marginalized and oppressed. Her efforts in the realm of human rights were acknowledged by President Harry S. Truman, who honored her with the title "First Lady of the World." This title not only pays tribute to her achievements in the realm of human rights but also recognizes the lasting impact she had on both national and international platforms. Through her life’s work, Roosevelt set a lasting standard for public service and remains a notable figure in American history.

(1884-1962) Humanism, Arts and Sciences

Roosevelt, Eleanor. "You Learn by Living." Westminster John Knox Press, 1960, p. 95.

Eleanor Roosevelt


Theme: Happiness and Well-being

About This Eleanor Roosevelt Quotation [Commentary]

Eleanor Roosevelt’s insight, “Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product,” invites us to rethink how we pursue happiness. Rather than viewing happiness as something to achieve directly, she suggests it naturally arises from living in harmony with one’s values and engaging meaningfully with life. This perspective shifts the focus from pursuing happiness to focusing on the quality of our actions and relationships.

Roosevelt’s broader philosophy emphasizes service and purpose. In You Learn by Living, she highlights the importance of contributing meaningfully and forming genuine connections. By prioritizing giving and fostering the well-being of others, she shows that happiness flows from these outward-focused endeavors. This approach links happiness to our shared humanity, where well-being is tied to how we impact others.

Roosevelt’s words encourage us to find fulfillment through purpose and compassion rather than personal satisfaction alone. When happiness is the by-product of intentional living, it becomes a more sustainable and enriching form of well-being, arising naturally from a life of connection and purpose.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Voice of Love

“Each of you needs to deeply, deeply appreciate who you are, including the uniqueness of who you are. I would like to say to everyone, embrace your life completely so that the reality you live in can be changed to higher and higher levels. Love yourself, for God lives in you. Do not diminish or insult that presence within. Let it be born in you as you awaken to it. Seek it with all your heart and mind. Then, when you come here [to the Spirit World], you will feel completely at home.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt, with Philip Burley, Channel (with Dolores Proiette). Voices of Love from the Light. P. 318.