Remember that happiness is a way of travel — not a destination.
Roy M. Goodman
Om författaren
Roy M. Goodman (1930-2014) was an American politician who served as a New York State Senator from 1969 to 2002. Born into a wealthy family with strong political connections, Goodman built his reputation through public service.
As a Republican representing Manhattan’s “Silk Stocking” district, Goodman stood out for his moderate views. He championed arts funding, environmental protection, and civil rights at a time when such positions weren’t always popular within his party.
The famous quote appeared in his 1981 commencement address at Columbia University, where he urged graduates to find joy in their ongoing pursuits rather than pinning all hopes on future achievements.
Friends described Goodman as someone who practised what he preached. Despite his demanding schedule, he made time for hobbies like sailing and photography. “Roy found beauty in ordinary moments,” recalled his longtime aide Barbara Klein. “He could turn the most routine Senate committee meeting into an opportunity for connection and growth.”
The meaning of the quote
This quote offers a powerful shift in how we think about happiness. Many of us fall into the trap of conditional happiness: “I’ll be happy when I get the promotion” or “I’ll be happy once I buy that house.” But this mindset pushes happiness perpetually into the future.
What the quote teaches us is that happiness exists in how we move through life, not in reaching specific endpoints. This wisdom changes everything about our approach to goals and ambitions.
Think of a child learning to ride a bike. While reaching the destination matters, the real joy comes from the wind in their hair, the rush of pedalling faster, and the growing confidence with each attempt. Adults often lose this ability to savour the process.
How to apply this wisdom practically:
The beauty of seeing happiness as a way of travel is that you need not wait for anything. You can choose to be happy right now, in this moment, as you work toward what matters to you.
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