Who said “I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to…”?

Disputed

It's credited to John Stuart Mill, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for John Stuart Mill.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.”
— John Stuart Mill
DisputedNo reliable early source found for John Stuart Mill. · evidenceHappiness

Cite this quote

APA

“I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.” [Quotation attributed to John Stuart Mill]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21043-i-have-learned-to-seek-my-happiness-by/

MLA

“I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.” Attributed to John Stuart Mill. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21043-i-have-learned-to-seek-my-happiness-by/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.” Attributed to John Stuart Mill. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21043-i-have-learned-to-seek-my-happiness-by/.

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“If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.”
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“All good things which exist are the fruits of originality.”
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