This is such an excellent distillation of what so many try to say on the subject of happiness. And to think Erasmus wrote this in 1510 (at the age of 43). Notice, all wrapped up into this English vernacular at once: (1) that happiness has a primary element; (2) that it is rooted in striving to be something (a pursuit); and (3) that you are a somebody, that you possess an identity, a real or truer self. That’s a lot to pack into the punch of 14 words.

The book Who Do You Think You Are is also available at all major e-retailers, and you can find it at bigselfschool.com/store.