Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old

Hear now, O children of wisdom, for the words of Booth Tarkington carry a profound truth that resonates deeply within the heart: “Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age.” These words speak to the essence of life itself, for what is life but a series of moments—some fleeting, some profound—each leaving its mark upon our souls? Tarkington’s wisdom reminds us that the happy moments we experience in youth and middle age are not mere distractions, but the very treasures that sustain us as we grow older. These moments, full of joy and laughter, become the soft cushion that cushions the weight of time, offering us comfort when the body grows weary and the spirit tired.

In the days of the ancients, the importance of happy moments and joy was recognized as a vital aspect of a full and meaningful life. The Greeks believed that a life lived in balance—in which both work and pleasure had their rightful place—was the true measure of happiness. Aristotle, in his teachings on ethics, suggested that happiness, or eudaimonia, was the greatest goal of human life, not because of the fleeting pleasures it brings, but because of the deep contentment that comes from a life well-lived. The joyful moments, the laughter, the celebrations—these were not trivial, but necessary to living a life of wisdom and peace. Aristotle understood that, in the final days, it is the joyful memories that keep the soul light, that offer solace when age threatens to weigh heavily on the heart.

The Romans, too, had their own reverence for joy and good cheer. Cicero, that great orator and philosopher, spent much of his life in pursuit of virtue, but he also understood the value of happiness in the face of life’s inevitable hardships. In his writings, Cicero often spoke of the importance of inner peace, and how moments of joy—whether shared in the company of loved ones or found in the quiet solitude of reflection—are essential to a soul’s health. Cicero, though no stranger to tragedy and loss, believed that the true measure of a life’s richness lay in the joyful moments that one could gather, for it is these moments that serve as a balm for the heart, especially in later years when the body is frail and the mind weary.

Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius is revered across the ages. Though he was a man of great intellect and achievement, Leonardo did not dedicate himself solely to his work; he also sought to appreciate the beauty of the world around him. His joy was found not just in the creation of his masterpieces, but in the small moments of life—the delight in the natural world, the wonder of human anatomy, the joy of discovery. As he grew older, Leonardo’s happy moments became a form of comfort and strength, much like Tarkington’s "cushion." These moments of joy were the very foundation upon which his later years rested, offering him the mental and emotional fortitude to continue his work, even in the face of physical decline. His enthusiasm for life did not fade with age, because he had accumulated a lifetime of happy moments that sustained him through the challenges of time.

Tarkington’s quote also speaks to the influence of memory in old age. When the body weakens and the days seem long, it is the happy moments that we have lived that offer us comfort and peace. Just as a great warrior might draw strength from the victories of their youth, so too can the elderly draw upon their store of joyful memories to find strength in their later years. It is in these memories that we find a legacy—not in the accomplishments or accolades we collect, but in the love, laughter, and happiness we experience along the way. To cherish these moments, to hold them close in our hearts, is to keep the spirit young even as the body grows older.

The lesson in Tarkington’s words is one of gratitude and mindfulness. In your life, do not rush through the moments of joy, for they are the very foundation of your future peace. Cherish the laughter, the celebrations, the quiet moments of contentment, for they are the treasures that will keep your spirit light in your later years. These moments, whether small or grand, are the cushions that will soften the weight of time. They provide not just comfort, but also meaning, as they serve as a reminder of the richness of life, the connections made, and the experiences lived.

In your own journey, make it a practice to embrace the happy moments as they come. Be mindful of the joy in each day, no matter how fleeting, for it is these moments that will be your comfort when you grow older. Seek joy not only in the grand achievements, but in the simple pleasures—the laughter of a child, the beauty of nature, the warmth of a shared meal. In doing so, you will build a lifetime of happy memories that will carry you through the later years of life, and your heart will remain full even as time presses on.