They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or

Host: The room was calm, the gentle hum of the evening settling in. The soft glow of the lamp filled the space, casting shadows on the walls. Outside, the world had turned quiet, and inside, Jeeny and Jack sat in a peaceful stillness, as though a deep conversation was about to unfold. Jeeny sat at the table, her fingers resting on her cup, a thoughtful expression on her face. Jack, standing by the window, gazed out at the darkening sky, his arms crossed, absorbed in his own reflections.

Jeeny: (breaking the silence, her voice calm and reflective) “I came across something today by Confucius that really made me think. He said, ‘They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: (pauses, his voice thoughtful) “It’s a profound statement, isn’t it? He’s saying that change is essential to growth, whether we’re talking about happiness or wisdom. It’s easy to think of happiness and wisdom as something static, something we either have or don’t. But Confucius is pointing out that we can’t hold onto them unless we’re willing to evolve, to adapt, to grow.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly) “Exactly. Change isn’t just a part of life—it’s necessary for sustaining things like happiness and wisdom. Happiness, in particular, is often viewed as a destination, something we arrive at. But what if it’s more about the journey, about continuously adapting and evolving in a way that allows us to embrace the present and grow with it? Wisdom, too, requires change—the willingness to learn, to update our understanding, to make room for new experiences and perspectives.”

Host: The stillness in the room deepened as their words lingered, and the weight of Confucius’ wisdom settled between them. Jack turned slightly, his gaze softening as he thought more about the relationship between happiness, wisdom, and change. Outside, the night had fully settled in, but inside, the conversation felt richer, as though it had unearthed a new perspective on life’s natural rhythms.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, more reflective) “I think it’s easy to become attached to the idea of permanent happiness or wisdom. We often think of them as states we can reach, and then we’re done. But what if, instead of aiming for a fixed destination, we focused on being present in the change itself? What if happiness and wisdom aren’t things to keep, but things to live with, adapting as life changes?”

Jeeny: (smiling gently) “Yes, it’s about embracing change as part of the process. The idea that we can’t remain the same if we want to keep evolving toward greater happiness and wisdom. Life isn’t static, and neither should we be. When we stop changing, we stop growing—and without growth, we lose the very things we’re trying to achieve.”

Jack: (pauses, nodding slowly) “That’s the paradox, isn’t it? To remain constant in happiness and wisdom, we have to allow change, to be flexible and open to it. It’s the act of continuous change that keeps us grounded in those things, keeps us from stagnating.”

Jeeny: (gently) “Exactly. And I think it’s about learning to adapt with grace. It’s not about clinging to the idea of happiness or wisdom as if they are final destinations. It’s about knowing that we will constantly need to adjust our mindset, our actions, and our perspectives in order to maintain them.”

Host: The quiet in the room seemed to deepen as the conversation unfolded. Outside, the world had become still, but inside, the realization had settled in—that change is not something to fear, but something to embrace. Jeeny and Jack had uncovered a simple yet profound truth—that in order to stay true to our happiness and wisdom, we must be willing to grow, to change, and to adapt to the ever-evolving journey of life.

Jack: (smiling softly, his voice more assured) “So, in a way, happiness and wisdom are not fixed goals—they’re states we keep nurturing, keep renewing through our willingness to change. They’re about the journey, not the destination.”

Jeeny: (nodding warmly) “Exactly. And the more we embrace change, the more we can truly stay aligned with those deeper truths. It’s not about perfection; it’s about continual growth and being present in the process.”

Host: The world outside had slipped into the quiet of night, but inside, there was a shared understanding that change is not something to resist, but something to be embraced. Jeeny and Jack had found a new perspective on happiness and wisdom—that they are not static destinations, but evolving processes that require us to stay open, adaptable, and present in the ever-changing flow of life.