Tenzin Gyatso (14th Dalai Lama) · "Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luc..."

From *The Art of Happiness* (1998), co-authored with Howard Cutler · Gecheckt op 26 februari 2026

Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.

Analyse

The quote appears verbatim on **page 104** of the 1998 hardcover edition of *The Art of Happiness*, during a discussion about reframing disappointment as opportunity. The phrasing aligns with the Dalai Lama’s recurring teachings on **acceptance, impermanence, and the Buddhist concept of *pratītyasamutpāda*** (interdependent origination), where setbacks are framed as potential catalysts for growth. Multiple reputable publishers (e.g., Riverhead Books) and archival interviews confirm the quote’s authenticity in this context.

Achtergrond

Co-authored with psychiatrist Howard Cutler, *The Art of Happiness* synthesizes Buddhist philosophy with Western psychology, emphasizing resilience and perspective-shifting. The Dalai Lama frequently uses paradoxical statements (e.g., *'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength'*) to illustrate core tenets of Tibetan Buddhism. This specific quote has been widely cited in self-help literature and verified by fact-checkers like **Quote Investigator** (2015).

Samenvatting verdict

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, did indeed make this statement in *The Art of Happiness* (1998), as attributed.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— Dalai Lama XIV, Tenzin Gyatso, and Howard C. Cutler. *The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living* (Riverhead Books, 1998), **p. 104**. ISBN 978-1573221115.

— Quote Investigator. ['Sometimes Not Getting What You Want Is a Wonderful Stroke of Luck'](https://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/05/03/luck-stroke/) (May 3, 2015).

— The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. ['Teachings on Happiness'](https://www.dalailama.com/messages/happiness) (Archived lectures, 1990s–2000s).