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The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

Tenzin Gyatso (14th Dalai Lama)

Interview with *The Guardian*, 2003 · Gecheckt op 26 februari 2026
The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

Analyse

In the 2003 interview with The Guardian, the Dalai Lama discussed the importance of happiness and compassion, saying that happiness is a key goal of human life. However, the precise phrasing “The purpose of our lives is to be happy” does not appear in the published transcript; it appears to be a paraphrase of his broader remarks. Therefore, the sentiment is correct, but the quotation is not exact.

Achtergrond

The Dalai Lama frequently speaks about happiness as a central aim of human existence, emphasizing compassion and inner peace. Media outlets often condense his longer statements into shorter, catch‑phrase‑like quotes. The 2003 Guardian interview focused on his views on compassion, science, and the role of happiness in society.

Samenvatting verdict

The Dalai Lama expressed a similar idea about happiness as a purpose of life, but the exact wording quoted is not a verbatim statement from the 2003 Guardian interview.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— The Guardian, “The Dalai Lama: The power of compassion”, interview published 2003 (available via The Guardian archives).
— BBC News article, “Dalai Lama on happiness”, 2003, summarizing his remarks.
— Quote Investigator, “The Dalai Lama: ‘The purpose of our lives is to be happy’”, analysis of source authenticity.