Comment: This quote is from John Stuart Mill's autobiography, titled Autobiography. Specifically, it is found in Chapter 5, where Mill reflects on his personal philosophy of happiness and its relationship to leading a meaningful life.I never, indeed, wavered in the conviction that happiness is the test of all rules of conduct, and the end of life.
But I now thought that this end was only to be attained by not making it the direct end.
Those only are happy (I thought) who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness; on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end.
Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way.
Credit: John Stuart Mill
In this passage, Mill discusses his realization that happiness cannot be pursued directly but is instead a byproduct of dedicating oneself to a purpose beyond mere self-interest, such as the welfare of others or a higher ideal. This insight was a key turning point in his intellectual and emotional development.
Source: The Classic Autobiography of John Stuart Mill (Chapter 5)
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- Obliquity in a Complex World In a complex world, goals are often best achieved indirectly
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Online Knowledge Café: Conversational Leadership — Beyond Knowledge Management
Wednesday 17th March 2026, 14:00 - 15:30 London time
Knowledge Management gives us access to information, but it does not decide or act. In this Knowledge Café, we will explore how Conversational Leadership builds on KM by strengthening shared reasoning, judgement, and agency. Join us to examine how we think together when knowledge alone is not enough.