In a world where hurry and uncertainty prevail, there are those who dare to stop and reflect. Today’s philosophers, psychologists or psychiatrists. Great current minds from whom we can learn, whose voices serve as a compass in the midst of chaos. They are not magic recipes, they are not immediate solutions: their words give us small truths that can help change everything, that invite us to stop, reflect, ask ourselves questions and reconnect with what really matters.
In this article we compile some of his most powerful phrases, authentic pills of wisdom, which teach us to build a life project with purposeto remain calm in the midst of chaos and to remember that, in the end, happiness is not found in what we own, but in how we choose to live.
If you find this content inspirational, you can complete it with this collection of famous quotes from great psychologists, or by reading phrases from philosophers from different eras who have reflected on what happiness is and how to achieve it.
Rafael Narbona: “No one finds true happiness in a watch worth four hundred thousand euros”
Ines Urdaci
Rafael Narbona, philosopher and author of Masters of happiness, He is one of those great minds that can give you great words like these: “No one finds true happiness in a watch worth four hundred thousand euros.”
For him, true wealth is in the affection of those around us, in friendship, love and human connection. After his own experience with depression, he discovered that philosophy is much more than a theoretical and intellectual exercise.: It is a compass to live with meaning, keep the ego at bay and find peace in the simple. Because, in the end, what gives meaning to our lives are not the things we have, but the bonds we build.
The Spanish philosopher also invites us to reflect with messages such as «There is so much talk about happiness because we don’t have it»; or with this other: «If we listen to the ego, we become slaves to things that are not essential because what is essential is the affection of your loved ones.»
Jose Antonio Marina: “Hold on tooth and nail to relationships and do everything possible to make sure they work well.”
There is no more powerful advice than this from Jose Antonio Marina, philosopher and essayist. In a recent interview, he recommended to his readers: “Hold on tooth and nail to the social relationships you have and do everything possible to make sure they work well.”
At 85 years old, he knows that the true driving force of happiness is not in success or money, but in bonds we cultivate throughout life. Unchosen loneliness is one of the great evils of our time, and the best way to combat it is through communication, attention to detail and reciprocity.
The philosophy professor is also a wise man when it comes to education. When asked about how we should educate our children for a future we don’t knowsurprises us with this answer: «You have to teach them Heuristics.»
Emilio Duró: “Of every 100 people, 82 are negative»
This phrase from the professor and expert in proactive attitude Emilio Duró It’s not a coincidence. As the international motivational speaker explains, our minds are programmed to detect threats before pleasures, a legacy of ancient survival. That is why he does not hesitate to affirm that «Out of every 100 people, 82 are negative.»
Optimism should not be understood, however, as a genetic luxury.. It is a conscious choice. Duró argues that being an optimist means focusing on what we can control, training the mind to see the good even in the simple, as a child would do when discovering the world for the first time. Happiness, according to him, is found in how we look at life.
That is why he insists on the importance of taking the reins of our life. «The first thing people regret when they die is having done what others wanted, having sold their lives,» says Duró.
Arthur Brooks: “happiness is not really a destination, but a journey of balance”
Emotional well-being guru and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks says that “happiness is not really a destination, but a journey of balance.” In his words we find a truth that changes lives: the key is not to achieve a perfect and permanent state of joy, but to learn to readjust, to find the balance.
According to the expert, it is essential that we find a balance between work, relationships and personal purpose. Brooks knows from firsthand experience that sometimes true growth comes when we dare to change course. Happiness, he explains to us, is not a goal, it is the art of keeping ourselves moving.
In this sense goes another great quote from Brooks: «life is a lot like sailing. You need a clear direction, but also accept that the journey will not follow a straight line.»
Brooks also insists on the importance of relativize the material. «Happiness is not in having more, but in wanting less,» he confesses.
Another essential question in life is, according to the Harvard professor, cultivating virtue of humility: «It helps to forgive and reduces negative feelings, it is the true key to well-being,» he acknowledges.
It’s about getting emotional well-being in all vital stages beyond youth. And to do this, Brooks reveals the 3 habits that must be put into practice to enjoy life after 60. In the end it all comes down to one question: Could you die in peace tomorrow?
Tal Ben-Shahar: “Unhappy emotions must be allowed”
Tal Ben-Shahar is a lecturer and professor of Harvard’s most coveted subject: happiness. He has been teaching classes in this field for 25 years at the prestigious university.
«Unhappy emotions must be allowed» is one of his 10 keys to happiness, because, as he explains to us, avoiding sadness and discomfort gets us nowhere. It is better to accept them as a natural part of life.
Happiness is not built denying what hurtsbut learning to live with it while cultivating more meaningful relationships, practicing gratitude, and giving ourselves permission to rest. In the end, true happiness does not lie in the absence of problems. It is hidden in our ability to embrace life with all its emotions.
Donald Robertson: “Stoicism gives us tools to face life’s challenges with a practical approach»
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Donald Robertson, philosopher and cognitive-behavioral therapist, maintains that «stoicism gives us tools to face life’s challenges with a practical approach.» The author of Think like a Roman emperor and Think like a Greek philosopherinvites us to find strength in a world full of uncertainty and noise through stoicism.
This branch of philosophy helps us identify and question irrational beliefs, cultivate emotional resilience, and focus on what does depend on us: our character, our actions, and our way of thinking. A lesson in wisdom that will never go out of style.
Nazareth Castellanos: “If the brain were an orchestra, breathing would be the conductor”
Castilian Nazareth
The neuroscientist Nazaret Castellanos summarizes one of the most interesting details of our mind in a single sentence: “If the brain were an orchestra, breathing would be the director.” As he explained in a conference, the way we breathe directly impacts the rhythm and harmony of our brain activity.
Breathing in a disordered manner keeps the brain on constant alertwhile a controlled and conscious rhythm helps you relax, improve your coordination and reduce stress. It is enough to dedicate a few minutes a day to breathing calmly to transform our mind into a fine-tuned orchestra, capable of better managing emotions and well-being.
The neuroscientist also highlights the importance of «pacifying the gesture and softening the face because it sends positive information to the brain and helps change directions«. Likewise, it is key to treat ourselves well: «When we criticize ourselves, pain areas in the brain are activated,» concludes the expert.
Enric Corbera: “your way of responding to others’ comments reflects your inner state”
Each reaction to an offense is a mirror of our emotional balance. Psychologist Enric Corbera maintains that “your way of responding to others’ comments reflects your inner state.”
When we respond with anger, or from egowe only fuel the conflict, while conscious silence acts as a shield that transforms negative energy into calm. Corbera defends that not reacting to provocation, far from being a sign of weakness, is a true example of inner strength that allows us to protect our mental peace.
Bruce Hood: «you have to continually work on these eight aspects of life to be happy»
Bruce Hood, professor of neuroscience at the University of Bristol, reveals that «you have to continually work on these eight aspects of life to be happy.» According to his research, the happiness is not a destination to which we arrive, but a habit that is cultivated every day.
The key is to maintain meaningful relationships, practicing kindness, living optimistically, and connecting with nature. The neuroscience expert also highlights acts as simple as talking to strangers, meditating, giving gifts or using networks consciously, because they are details that can make a difference. Happiness is not a goal, but a daily practice.
Walter Riso: “we are worth what we are, not because of our triumphs.”
The world leader in psychology Walter Riso insists that “we are worth what we are, not because of our successes.” Although simple, this phrase makes us reflect on this society obsessed with success and competition, in which learning to lose can be the greatest act of liberation.
According to Riso, our worth does not depend on achievements or medals, it depends on the authenticity with which we live. Accepting defeat, tolerating frustration and enjoying the simple moments helps us build solid self-esteem. Because, in the end, happiness is not measured in victories, but in our ability to find meaning in everyday life.
Robert Waldinger: ««What really makes us happy are our relationships with people.»
The psychiatrist Robert Waldinger He is currently responsible for the most ambitious study ever carried out on human happiness, supported by Harvard University. From his extensive experience in the field he has drawn a conclusion: “What really makes us happy are satisfactory, close and warm relationships with people.”
Relationships that are based on respect, closeness and emotional support act as a shield against stress, improve our mental well-being and can even have an impact on our physical health.
Marian Rojas Estapé: “a person with will goes much further than an intelligent person”
Marian Rojas Estapé
Marian Rojas Estapépsychiatrist and author of Recover your mind, recapture your life asserts with conviction that “a person with…