Only those who have experienced the harshness of winter can truly know the joy of spring. The same is true of life. The Swiss philosopher Carl Hilty asserted: “What joy is, is essentially known only to those who have suffered much. Others know only pleasure, which is in no way similar.” Those who haven’t experienced suffering cannot know real joy—how true that is!
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 337
Daisaku Ikeda
True unity is achieved when we each have the strength to stand alone—the conviction and fortitude to advance, even if we are the only one. It’s not just passively depending on the support of others or finding strength in numbers.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 159
Daisaku Ikeda
Our environment doesn’t decide our happiness; we do. We are either defeated by our environment or we triumph over it. That’s what determines our happiness.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 347
Daisaku Ikeda