The Book of Joy
by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu
"The Book of Joy" chronicles a week-long conversation between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu as they explore the nature of joy and how to cultivate it in the face of life's challenges. The two spiritual leaders share personal anecdotes, wisdom, and practical advice on finding happiness through compassion, gratitude, and embracing suffering. Their dialogue emphasizes the importance of community and connection in fostering a joyful life.
19 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Book of Joy, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
The purpose of our lives is to be happy.
Joy is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
We can’t just take it for granted that we will be happy.
The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes.
There is no joy without hardship.
Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.
The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warm-heartedness.
We must never forget that our happiness is connected to the happiness of others.
Our own happiness depends on the happiness of others.
In the face of suffering, we must not forget to cultivate joy.
The ultimate source of a happy life is a good heart.
Joy is not simply the absence of suffering. It is the presence of a higher purpose.
We can’t just sit back and wait for happiness to come to us; we must create it.
Forgiveness is not a one-time thing; it is a process.
Our lives are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.
True peace comes from within, not from external circumstances.
The greatest joy comes from serving others.
Live in the present, and make it beautiful.
It is through our connectedness with others that we find our own happiness.