Happiness is a matter of one’s most ordinary everyday mode of consciousness being busy and lively and unconcerned with self. To be damned for one’s ordinary everyday mode of consciousness to be unremitting agonizing preoccupation with self.

There is no substitute for the comfort supplied by the utterly taken-for-granted relationship.

How rarely can happiness be really innocent and not triumphant, not an insult to the deprived.

Of course reading and thinking are important but, my God, food is important too. How fortunate we are to be food-consuming animals. Each meal should be a treat and one ought to bless every day which brings with it a good digestion and the precious gift of hunger.

One of the secrets of a happy life is continous small treats.