I see nothing wrong with the human trait to desire. In fact I consider it integral to our success mechanism. Becoming attached to what we desire is what causes the trouble. If you must have it in order to be happy then you are denying the happiness of the here and now.

The gratification of desire is not happiness.

All people desire what they believe will make them happy. If a person is not full of desire for God we can only conclude that he is engaged with another happiness.

Since every man desires happiness it is evidently no small matter whether he conceives of happiness in terms of work or of enjoyment.

The ultimate end of human acts is eudaimonia happiness in the sense of living well which all men desire all acts are but different means chosen to arrive at it.

To desire and strive to be of some service to the world to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind - this is a choice which is possible for all of us and surely it is a good haven to sail for.

I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires rather than in attempting to satisfy them.

The consuming desire of most human beings is deliberately to plant their whole life in the hands of some other person. I would describe this method of searching for happiness as immature. Development of character consists solely in moving toward self-sufficiency.

If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others we could have a paradise in a few years.

Life everlasting in a state of happiness is the greatest desire of all men.

Desire is individual. Happiness is common.

You cannot escape the results of your thoughts. Whatever your present environment may be you will fall remain or rise with your thoughts your vision your ideal. You will become as small as your controlling desire as great as your dominant aspiration.

The unworthy successor of Peter who desires to benefit from the immeasurable wealth of Christ feels the great need of your assistance your prayers your sacrifice and he most humbly asks this of you.

The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.

Nothing great is created suddenly any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig. I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom then bear fruit then ripen.

The planter the farmer the mechanic and the laborer... form the great body of the people of the United States they are the bone and sinew of the country men who love liberty and desire nothing but equal rights and equal laws.

A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.