Happiness Habit of the Day: George Orwell says, 'You can only be happy when you do not assume that the object of life is happiness'. Celebrated British author's lesson on living a stress-free life

Happiness is something almost everyone wants to achieve, but according to legendary author George Orwell, constantly making happiness the ultimate goal of life can actually make it harder to experience. Eric Arthur Blair, better known by his pen name George Orwell, once wrote, “Men can only be happy when they do not assume that the object of life is happiness.” The quote appears in his 1944 essay titled Arthur Koestler, where Orwell reflected on deeper questions about purpose, ideals and the human pursuit of fulfilment.

The deeper meaning behind Orwell’s words

Orwell’s thought suggests that happiness is often a by-product of living a meaningful life rather than something that can be directly chased. When people make happiness their only objective, they may begin constantly measuring their lives against whether they feel happy enough. This endless search can create pressure, disappointment and dissatisfaction.

Instead, Orwell’s words highlight the importance of focusing on values, purpose, meaningful work and personal convictions. Happiness often emerges naturally when people engage with life fully rather than treating happiness as a destination they must reach.

Why Orwell’s message remains relevant

In a world where people often compare achievements, lifestyles and personal milestones, Orwell’s observation continues to hold significance. The pressure to constantly feel happy can sometimes make ordinary struggles seem like failures.


His words suggest that a fulfilling life is not one without difficulties but one where challenges, responsibilities and meaningful experiences have a purpose. Rather than asking whether every moment brings happiness, Orwell’s perspective encourages people to focus on what gives their lives depth and direction.

The context behind Orwell’s essay Arthur Koestler

George Orwell shared this reflection in his 1944 essay Arthur Koestler, which explored the writings and experiences of Hungarian-British author Arthur Koestler. The essay examined the growing disillusionment among European intellectuals with totalitarian communism. Orwell analysed Koestler’s works, including Darkness at Noon and The Gladiators, to understand how revolutionary movements could transform into systems driven by power, violence and ideological compromise.

Orwell contrasted the harsh realities experienced by many Europeans under totalitarian regimes with Britain's relative distance from those struggles. He argued that many British intellectuals lacked an emotional understanding of the political terror faced elsewhere.

A central theme of the essay was Koestler’s struggle with the conflict between ends and means, questioning whether creating a supposedly better society could justify the use of force and oppression. Through this discussion, Orwell explored how the pursuit of an idealised vision of life could lead to disappointment and moral conflict.

George Orwell’s lasting legacy

Orwell remains one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His novels and essays continue to shape discussions around politics, society, freedom and human nature. Best known for works such as Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell used his writing to examine power, truth and the choices people make in pursuit of a better world.

His reflection on happiness remains a reminder that a meaningful life is not built by constantly chasing a feeling. Instead, it comes from engaging with life’s experiences, pursuing purpose and finding value beyond the search for happiness itself.