In 1922 Albert Einstein traveled to Japan to give a series of lectures after receiving the Nobel Prize for his contributions to theoretical physics and his discovery of the photoelectric effect, and during that trip he gave the hotel owner many signed notes, which included ideas of what it means to be happy.

Sherine Ali, a journalist at the American website, The Hill, said in a report that Einstein wrote his thoughts on achieving happiness in 1922, suggesting that a modest life can bring happiness more than being attached to the pursuit of success.

People all over the world are trying to discover how to achieve happiness in life (Getty Images)

Causes of happiness

Albert Einstein wrote, “A quiet and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant anxiety.”

She commented that these 17 words will be relevant, as people all over the world are trying to discover how to achieve happiness in life.

This note, along with others, was sold for $1.8 million in 2017 in an auction house.

Life circumstances, achievements and social relationships all affect how happy a person feels (Getty Images)

What is the definition of happiness?

Psychology Today says that happiness cannot be defined by one individual happy emotion, because it also involves a great deal of uncomfortable feelings, and that genetic makeup, life circumstances, achievements, marital status, social relationships and even your neighbors can all affect how happy a person feels.

Happiness is subject to personal control, which is what Einstein advocated following a quiet and modest life, saying that it brings more happiness.

achieve happiness

The writer pointed out that this is similar to what Frank T. Andrew, a professor of psychology at Knox College of Art in Illinois, USA, said about achieving happiness;

“We work hard to reach a goal, anticipating the happiness that our work will bring, but unfortunately we quickly fall back from that work and then start chasing the next thing that we think will make us happy, and we keep repeating that pursuit.”

Everyone has a unique path to happiness (Getty Images)

What is the relationship between success and happiness?

However, it seems that success and happiness are linked. In 2005 researchers conducted a huge study with 275,000 participants to understand the theory of happiness, and found that personal and professional success may lead to happiness, and that happy individuals pursued new goals in life.

Although Einstein's simple 17-word observation hinted at a theory of happiness, experts have found that there are many ways to achieve it, and everyone has a unique path to getting there.