This quote by Swami Vivekananda suggests that any pleasure derived from external, objective sources is ultimately fleeting and bound to cause pain due to the inevitability of change or death. The ‘objective pleasure’ referred to here could be anything that we derive happiness from outside ourselves – material possessions, achievements, relationships etc.
The idea is that everything in the physical world undergoes change. Nothing remains constant. So if our happiness is tied up with these external factors, when they inevitably change or disappear (as symbolized by death), our happiness too will be affected negatively leading to pain.
This concept can be applied in personal development and in today’s world where there’s a huge emphasis on material success and achievement. It encourages us to cultivate inner peace and contentment independent of external circumstances – a state often referred to as ‘subjective well-being’. This doesn’t mean one should not strive for success or form relationships but rather not become overly attached or dependent on them for happiness.
In an era marked by rampant consumerism where people often equate happiness with acquiring more goods or achieving more success, this quote serves as a reminder that these are transient sources of joy. It encourages introspection about what truly makes us happy and emphasizes the importance of finding joy within ourselves rather than seeking it externally.
From a personal development perspective, this idea can help individuals build resilience against life’s inevitable ups and downs. By understanding that all objective pleasures are transitory, we can learn not to base our entire sense of fulfillment on them. Instead we might focus on developing qualities like compassion, self-awareness and gratitude which contribute towards lasting inner peace irrespective of external changes.