“The key to a happy life is to learn to control the others”
— Joseph Campbell
Simplified Meaning:
True happiness comes from learning how to handle other people's actions and emotions in a healthy way. Imagine you have a good friend who always talks too much and shares negative thoughts. If you let their behavior affect you, you might feel stressed or unhappy. But, if you learn to manage how you react to your friend’s behavior, you can stay calm and not let it ruin your mood. For example, if your friend starts to complain, you can choose to listen politely but not take on their negativity. Or, you can gently change the topic to something more positive. By doing this, you are controlling how others impact you rather than trying to control their actions. By focusing on your own reactions and not letting others’ behavior dictate your happiness, you can find peace and joy even in challenging situations. You can apply this idea in daily life by practicing patience and staying positive, no matter how others around you act. This way, you create a shield that protects your happiness from external negativity.