You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about that Dale Carnegie idea, “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” It’s one of those deceptively simple quotes that just hits harder the longer you sit with it. It really separates the chase from the contentment, you know?
Share Image Quote:Table of Contents
Meaning
It’s the ultimate distinction between external achievement and internal satisfaction. Success is an outward measure; happiness is an inward choice.
Explanation
Let me break it down. The first part, “Success is getting what you want,” that’s the game we’re all taught to play. It’s about the hustle, the goal, the finish line. It’s about effort and outcome. And look, it feels fantastic. For a while.
But the real magic, the part that most people miss, is the second half: “Happiness is wanting what you get.” This is the mindset shift. This is where you move from being a perpetual striver to a person who can actually appreciate their life. It’s about gratitude, acceptance, and finding the value in what’s already in front of you. It’s not about settling; it’s about savoring.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Category | Success (341) |
| Topics | contentment (12), happiness (48), success general (86) |
| Literary Style | aphoristic (181), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | reflective (382) |
| Overall Quote Score | 89 (88) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Carnegie’s 1936 book, How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job. It’s often misattributed to folks like David O. McKay or even just tossed into the anonymous quote bin, but its true home is in Carnegie’s work on practical psychology and personal development in the United States.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dale Carnegie (408) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job (53) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Modern (528) |
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dale Carnegie(1888), an American writer received worldwide recognition for his influential books on relationship, leadership, and public speaking. His books and courses focus on human relations, and self confidence as the foundation for success. Among his timeless classics, the Dale Carnegie book list includes How to Win Friends and Influence People is the most influential which inspires millions even today for professional growth.
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1955 (compiled from earlier Carnegie works) ISBN/Unique Identifier: Unknown Last edition. Number of pages: Common reprints ~192–240 pages (varies by printing) |
| Where is it? | Chapter: Success and Happiness, Approximate page from 1948 edition |