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Finding True Happiness
Are you perfectly happy, or are you still looking for perfect happiness?
Most people are still actively searching for true and lasting happiness, but are looking in the wrong places. It s easy to be misled into believing that happiness is found in money, rank, or renown. While these things are not inherently bad, and can in fact be used to do much good, they will, in the final analysis, not bring a happiness that endures.
Once we realize that nothing less than a complete union with God will satisfy our souls, we will not let transitory things distract or disappoint us. This is because then, according to Fulton Sheen, you put no more hope in things than they can bear. You cease looking for first-rate joys where there are only tenth-rate pleasures.
In addition to addressing the topic of joy vs. pleasure in Finding True Happiness, Fulton Sheen also helps us gain the right perspective on things such as loneliness and the secret of sanctity. This brings us to our ultimate purpose, which is found in God alone. Only by losing oneself in God, will we find our true selves-- and true happiness along with it.
Most people are still actively searching for true and lasting happiness, but are looking in the wrong places. It s easy to be misled into believing that happiness is found in money, rank, or renown. While these things are not inherently bad, and can in fact be used to do much good, they will, in the final analysis, not bring a happiness that endures.
Once we realize that nothing less than a complete union with God will satisfy our souls, we will not let transitory things distract or disappoint us. This is because then, according to Fulton Sheen, you put no more hope in things than they can bear. You cease looking for first-rate joys where there are only tenth-rate pleasures.
In addition to addressing the topic of joy vs. pleasure in Finding True Happiness, Fulton Sheen also helps us gain the right perspective on things such as loneliness and the secret of sanctity. This brings us to our ultimate purpose, which is found in God alone. Only by losing oneself in God, will we find our true selves-- and true happiness along with it.
80 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2013
28 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Fulton J. Sheen
530 books749 followersFulton John Sheen was an American bishop of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois, in 1919, Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and served as a parish priest before he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966 when he was made bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in New York. He resigned as bishop of Rochester in 1969 as his 75th birthday approached and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales.
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 6, 2018
This small [almost a] pamphlet is published by Dynamic Catholic. That pretty much sums it up because everything Dynamic Catholic publishes seems to me to be really good. This particular book indicates that it is written by Fulton Sheen, the very popular Bishop who wrote many books, and appeared regularly on television back as far maybe as the 1950's. I remember my parents watching him preach on our tiny black and white television when I was a child.
Finding True Happiness is actually a compilation of four of the esteemed Bishop's works: Way to Happiness; Way To Inner Peach; Walk With God; and You. One or two chapters are taken from each of those writings. I am unsure whether the excerpts are verbatim, or whether someone took what the Bishop wrote and then re-wrote it in easy to read plain language - because that is the way it is written - easy to read, interesting and makes a lot of sense.
This is the type of book that one is inclined to read again, and perhaps then again.
Finding True Happiness is actually a compilation of four of the esteemed Bishop's works: Way to Happiness; Way To Inner Peach; Walk With God; and You. One or two chapters are taken from each of those writings. I am unsure whether the excerpts are verbatim, or whether someone took what the Bishop wrote and then re-wrote it in easy to read plain language - because that is the way it is written - easy to read, interesting and makes a lot of sense.
This is the type of book that one is inclined to read again, and perhaps then again.
January 26, 2019
So many good nuggets in this little book my highlighter nearly ran out of ink! Highly recommend for anyone who is seeking peace, contentment, humility and JOY. Very good!
February 2, 2026
Fulton Sheen is BRILLIANT! 4.5 stars since this wasn’t as cohesive as I would have liked, being pulled from many books. A nice introduction to Fulton Sheen for those interested and a powerful closer! :)
November 18, 2016
This book is a very important collection in this day and age. And thought it was not written as a specific book by Fulton Sheen, for it is a compilation taken four separate books by Sheen. It is drawn from Walk With God, Way to Happiness, Way to Inner Peace, and You. Now I have known the name Fulton Sheen for many years, but for some reason or another, other than excerpts in anthologies it was only this year that I started reading his books. It really is a deep regret that I did not try reading his books earlier, for at the moment I have about 5 of them in my to be read pile. In the introduction Trent Beattie, writes about the power that Sheen's writings had on his life and the reasons he made this compilation. Beattie states: "The first was to let go of the idea that happiness is to be found in things outside oneself. Happiness does not depend on accumulating more things, but on the mindset we have concerning the things we already do possess. Happiness does not consist in having more, but in appreciating more. As Sheen wrote, "It is not so much what happens in your life that matters; it is rather how you react to it."" And the rest of the book expands upon those ideas.
I had a discussion about this book with a friend. He wanted me to summarize the book. I started that true happiness is found if being content with what you have, but working towards become the best version of yourself. Not comparing ourselves to others, not comparing our possessions, bank accounts … but comparing ourselves to who we were yesterday and the day before and the day before that. The book helps us really look at where we put our hope and our joy the book helps us learn to focus on personal growth. The focus in not on the external but on the internal.
The chapters in this book are:
Introduction
1. Finding Perfect Happiness
2. Philosophy of Pleasure
3. Silence
4. Repose
5. Self-Inflation
6. Egotism: The Enemy of Inner Peace
7. Desire
8. Sadness
9. Moods
10. Mental Cases are Increasing
11. Loneliness
12. Truth: Forgotten Ideal
13. Patience
14. Contentment
15. Joy
16. The Will: The Secret of Sanctity
There are a few factors that make this an amazing book. First it is so accessible. It is not a massive theological treatise, it is written in language that is easy to comprehend and it is written in a very engaging and personable manner. Also at the end of each chapter is an offer, most are a book that will go deeper into the theme of that chapter. One of the offers is for 6 copies of this book for just $18 plus shipping and handling, so you can pass it on to others. Of the books recommended I have read half and had 2 of the others already in my to be read list. And of course this book has motivated me to read even more Sheen and sooner rather than later.
This book is an amazing read. And with the length I know I will be going back and reading it again. The message is so important, and to be honest in this day and age needed even more than ever before. How many people in this day and age look for fulfillment, and happiness, in things, possessions, in other people? When in reality as Sheen shows us throughout this book, I happiness needs to come from our relationship with God, our personal growth and how we respond to things and situations, not in the things and situations themselves.
I know a dozen people without even giving it a thought that could greatly benefit from reading this book based on their current life situation. It is an excellent read that I highly recommend.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Fulton Sheen.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
I had a discussion about this book with a friend. He wanted me to summarize the book. I started that true happiness is found if being content with what you have, but working towards become the best version of yourself. Not comparing ourselves to others, not comparing our possessions, bank accounts … but comparing ourselves to who we were yesterday and the day before and the day before that. The book helps us really look at where we put our hope and our joy the book helps us learn to focus on personal growth. The focus in not on the external but on the internal.
The chapters in this book are:
Introduction
1. Finding Perfect Happiness
2. Philosophy of Pleasure
3. Silence
4. Repose
5. Self-Inflation
6. Egotism: The Enemy of Inner Peace
7. Desire
8. Sadness
9. Moods
10. Mental Cases are Increasing
11. Loneliness
12. Truth: Forgotten Ideal
13. Patience
14. Contentment
15. Joy
16. The Will: The Secret of Sanctity
There are a few factors that make this an amazing book. First it is so accessible. It is not a massive theological treatise, it is written in language that is easy to comprehend and it is written in a very engaging and personable manner. Also at the end of each chapter is an offer, most are a book that will go deeper into the theme of that chapter. One of the offers is for 6 copies of this book for just $18 plus shipping and handling, so you can pass it on to others. Of the books recommended I have read half and had 2 of the others already in my to be read list. And of course this book has motivated me to read even more Sheen and sooner rather than later.
This book is an amazing read. And with the length I know I will be going back and reading it again. The message is so important, and to be honest in this day and age needed even more than ever before. How many people in this day and age look for fulfillment, and happiness, in things, possessions, in other people? When in reality as Sheen shows us throughout this book, I happiness needs to come from our relationship with God, our personal growth and how we respond to things and situations, not in the things and situations themselves.
I know a dozen people without even giving it a thought that could greatly benefit from reading this book based on their current life situation. It is an excellent read that I highly recommend.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Fulton Sheen.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
July 23, 2015
Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Finding True Happiness is an incredible read and journey to finding true happiness. I truly appreciated the analogies and stories to help with understanding deeper concepts.
The introduction of the book is rather excellent by a passionate follower of Sheen. I truly appreciated the introduction and found it a very nice lead-in into the book.
My favorite part of the book was in how Sheen discussed our higher selves and our lower selves: how we have an interior battle of will, and that this internal civil war is one that we must overcome: unfortunately if we do not fight this battle then we combat those around us. It is a battle that is worth fighting- for if we look to Heaven our higher self wins, but if we look to the world than our lower self takes the edge.
Another aspect of the book that I found incredibly intriguing was in how Sheen discussed liberalism through a historical lens: he mentioned that people went fully liberal (wanting no leash and doing as they pleased), but then people, because they had no boundaries and direction like a swamp as opposed to a river, turned to not wanting to make decisions and not having control of their freedom so they turned to Communism, Facism, and Nazism which all were Totalitarianism. It makes sense what Sheen is saying- we have to embrace the responsibility we have with having freedom- to give that freedom to God.
Overall, I found this book to be extraordinary and very helpful in search for true happiness. As Sheen states, "if we only give 50% of our heart to God, then He can only give us 50% of true happiness."
The introduction of the book is rather excellent by a passionate follower of Sheen. I truly appreciated the introduction and found it a very nice lead-in into the book.
My favorite part of the book was in how Sheen discussed our higher selves and our lower selves: how we have an interior battle of will, and that this internal civil war is one that we must overcome: unfortunately if we do not fight this battle then we combat those around us. It is a battle that is worth fighting- for if we look to Heaven our higher self wins, but if we look to the world than our lower self takes the edge.
Another aspect of the book that I found incredibly intriguing was in how Sheen discussed liberalism through a historical lens: he mentioned that people went fully liberal (wanting no leash and doing as they pleased), but then people, because they had no boundaries and direction like a swamp as opposed to a river, turned to not wanting to make decisions and not having control of their freedom so they turned to Communism, Facism, and Nazism which all were Totalitarianism. It makes sense what Sheen is saying- we have to embrace the responsibility we have with having freedom- to give that freedom to God.
Overall, I found this book to be extraordinary and very helpful in search for true happiness. As Sheen states, "if we only give 50% of our heart to God, then He can only give us 50% of true happiness."
February 8, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4. The only reason why this book isn’t rated higher is because it feels a bit superficial. Yes, these are the words of Ven. Fulton Sheen, but it’s more like a compilation of snippets from various works of his. The chapters are short, perfect for those who don’t have much free time, but it left me wanting more and felt a bit like I was bamboozled, expecting more since it had Ven. Fulton Sheen’s name attached to it. Still, the short snippets were great and will be thought-provoking to many.
October 26, 2021
This is the definition of small but mighty- powerful phrases I needed to hear. Really hits it home
June 27, 2017
I remember being drawn to Bishop Sheen's television program even as a child. There was just something about the way he spoke--with such love and conviction and understanding and totally without judgment, and as if he was talking directly to me; and there was just something about the words he spoke, that made me want to seek and understand and told me even then, "this is Truth and this is important. Listen.".
In "Finding True Happiness", Bishop Sheen reminds us of when we were children, how happy we thought we would be when we had our fill, for instance, of Christmas cakes, our "hands glutted with toys", our eyes open wide and filled with the glow of Christmas lights. But Christmas came and we had overeaten, little by little the lights were taken down, the Christmas toys no longer excited us after a while, and then it was all over. And we began a new list of all the other things we wanted and didn't get that would make us happy. And we lamented at the fact that Christmas "somehow or other did not quite come up to ...expectations." And hasn't it been that way repeatedly since? And further, we think, perhaps, that marriage will make us truly happy, or getting a divorce, or a need to be well-known, or the perfect house on the perfect street, or the right job, or a big bank account, and on and on. But how many times when we achieve all those things we think will make us happy have we become disillusioned, disappointed, shocked, even so? Bishop Sheen reminds us that these things in and of themselves are not the source of happiness. We are reminded that the reason for our unhappiness is not because we want things "outside" of us, but "due to a want of something inside [us]". We "become so enamored" of the gifts that God has given us, we totally forget there is a Giver, attributing anything good in our lives to our own achievement, born of selfishness and pride.
More and more we remove God from everything. We are the be-all and end-all, and it is "good enough" just to be a good person. We do not believe because we do not understand. And we do not understand because we do not seek understanding, which leads to believing anything and calling "Truth" everything that "sounds good". "Because we do not pray or contemplate or love Him, we become vain and proud; but when we know Him better, we feel a deep sense of dependence which tempers our false independence. Pride is the child of ignorance, humility the offspring of knowledge."
But Bishop Sheen also speaks of faith, patience, joy, our own will and more, and explains how all these together play a part in our happiness. And he speaks of contentment, saying it "comes in part from faith--that is, from knowing the purpose of life and being assured that whatever the trials are, they come from the hand of a loving Father." He emphasizes that "what happens to us is not so important, but rather how we react to what happens. Judas and Peter both sinned against the Lord, and He called them both devils. But one became a Saint, because he overcame his weakness with the help of God's grace."
"Finding True Happiness" could well have been written today--there is nothing obsolete or old-fashioned or trite about it. There is so much of worth in this little volume that it becomes difficult to summarize. It is a good book to keep on hand for reference from time to time, for when life begins to get foggy. I highly recommend it
In "Finding True Happiness", Bishop Sheen reminds us of when we were children, how happy we thought we would be when we had our fill, for instance, of Christmas cakes, our "hands glutted with toys", our eyes open wide and filled with the glow of Christmas lights. But Christmas came and we had overeaten, little by little the lights were taken down, the Christmas toys no longer excited us after a while, and then it was all over. And we began a new list of all the other things we wanted and didn't get that would make us happy. And we lamented at the fact that Christmas "somehow or other did not quite come up to ...expectations." And hasn't it been that way repeatedly since? And further, we think, perhaps, that marriage will make us truly happy, or getting a divorce, or a need to be well-known, or the perfect house on the perfect street, or the right job, or a big bank account, and on and on. But how many times when we achieve all those things we think will make us happy have we become disillusioned, disappointed, shocked, even so? Bishop Sheen reminds us that these things in and of themselves are not the source of happiness. We are reminded that the reason for our unhappiness is not because we want things "outside" of us, but "due to a want of something inside [us]". We "become so enamored" of the gifts that God has given us, we totally forget there is a Giver, attributing anything good in our lives to our own achievement, born of selfishness and pride.
More and more we remove God from everything. We are the be-all and end-all, and it is "good enough" just to be a good person. We do not believe because we do not understand. And we do not understand because we do not seek understanding, which leads to believing anything and calling "Truth" everything that "sounds good". "Because we do not pray or contemplate or love Him, we become vain and proud; but when we know Him better, we feel a deep sense of dependence which tempers our false independence. Pride is the child of ignorance, humility the offspring of knowledge."
But Bishop Sheen also speaks of faith, patience, joy, our own will and more, and explains how all these together play a part in our happiness. And he speaks of contentment, saying it "comes in part from faith--that is, from knowing the purpose of life and being assured that whatever the trials are, they come from the hand of a loving Father." He emphasizes that "what happens to us is not so important, but rather how we react to what happens. Judas and Peter both sinned against the Lord, and He called them both devils. But one became a Saint, because he overcame his weakness with the help of God's grace."
"Finding True Happiness" could well have been written today--there is nothing obsolete or old-fashioned or trite about it. There is so much of worth in this little volume that it becomes difficult to summarize. It is a good book to keep on hand for reference from time to time, for when life begins to get foggy. I highly recommend it
February 28, 2020
I’m not a big fan of pamphlets masquerading as books or books made up of short excerpts from longer works. This book is both of those things.
I understand two things though: 1. It is a collection of excerpts from the works of Archbishop Fulton Sheen so how crazy would I have to be to complain to much? 2. The content is designed to introduce an important spiritual writer to regular people in bite-size increments.
I’m unlikely to ever come back to it but I suppose it is worth having around to give to someone else who could benefit from it.
I understand two things though: 1. It is a collection of excerpts from the works of Archbishop Fulton Sheen so how crazy would I have to be to complain to much? 2. The content is designed to introduce an important spiritual writer to regular people in bite-size increments.
I’m unlikely to ever come back to it but I suppose it is worth having around to give to someone else who could benefit from it.
March 25, 2014
16 little lessons on how to find more fulfilment in your life! The recurring messages in this book reinforce the Beatitudes.
Some sentences here made me laugh out loud since it was from a different era when men and women were just assumed to be completely different creatures. But I tried to keep these sentences separated from the overall message.
Easy to read in a sitting or two. I did some underlining for easy reference later on.
Some sentences here made me laugh out loud since it was from a different era when men and women were just assumed to be completely different creatures. But I tried to keep these sentences separated from the overall message.
Easy to read in a sitting or two. I did some underlining for easy reference later on.
July 13, 2014
The book is succinct and to the point and while it may not change your life and bring you “True Happiness” the advice it gives does help to remind the reader some of the things that really matter. It does a good job of taking one’s daily life and put it into a clearer perspective.
While I do not know if I would go out of my way to pick up a copy of this book. If it happens to cross your path, I would recommend reading it.
While I do not know if I would go out of my way to pick up a copy of this book. If it happens to cross your path, I would recommend reading it.
November 3, 2020
This was my first time reading any of Fulton Sheen's writing and I think it's a great primer for his work. It contains 16 excerpts from four of his 60 books. Each chapter is three or four pages long, which make it easy to read, especially since the topics can be heavy. If you've been curious about reading his work, this is a great way to start.
January 8, 2020
I had never read anything by Fulton Sheen before. This is a great introduction to his work. I’m really excited to read more of his books 📚 This is a great book to read slowly and contemplate each chapter. I will be keeping this on my book shelf and rereading this. Thank you to St. Nicholas parish in Gig Harbor, WA for giving this book out for free this Easter.
March 3, 2020
These are short excerpts from Sheen's other books on different topics, like egotism, loneliness, joy, etc. It gives very simple, practical advice. My only complaint with this book is, because it's only short excerpts, I had the constant sensation that I should be reading the original works and was missing the depth of things without it. However, it is a nice, quick book to read.
February 27, 2025
I underlined and highlighted many ideas from this book. I wish I could remember it all as I approach the world each new day. I will revisit this book in prayer and contemplation many times and hope to share some insight with others. It was approachable, understandable in small digestible chapters. The world needs more Fulton Sheen!
March 4, 2018
I enjoyed this thoroughly. It is a collection of excerpts from Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s books. Each excerpt touches on some aspect of spirituality, and how it relates to serenity and peace. It is a light read and very accessible. It makes me want to explore more of his writings. 5 stars!
July 31, 2018
The late Archbishop Sheen has such a beautiful gift for presenting sound Christian doctrine to the general population. The advice he gives in this particular book is very practical and peoples of all faith can find wisdom in them.
April 4, 2020
This is one of the best books I have ever read! If you are ever looking for a gift for a loved one, this should be on the list. The best gift in this universe is something that we ourselves are incapable of giving. It is something to which we can but point. Use this book to point! :)
April 8, 2024
Fulton Sheen is insightful as usual. I appreciate that this book was compiled from his various works. Not everyone will be able to read everything Ven. Sheen has written, even though I’m sure it’s all good.
July 7, 2017
Much needed messages for today
Simple yet profound! Thought-provoking truths to reflect on and pray about. A book I will return to again and again.
Simple yet profound! Thought-provoking truths to reflect on and pray about. A book I will return to again and again.
December 27, 2017
16 short meditations of Fulton Sheen. He has a way to tell a story that makes it real.
June 5, 2018
Easy read and very insightful.
September 18, 2018
Very inspirational...it helps me detach from the world and focus on my spiritual growth.
October 15, 2019
Nice read. Thought provoking.
Probably read again. Spaced on with individual concepts to thing about. Bishop Sheen pray for us. Read Life of Christ
Probably read again. Spaced on with individual concepts to thing about. Bishop Sheen pray for us. Read Life of Christ
March 21, 2020
Simple book about different faucets of life..
April 6, 2022
Everything in this is good. I just feel like dynamic Catholic is annoying
August 12, 2022
Easy read, fantastic content. My copy is tattered I’ve read it so many times. I’ve given around two dozen copies of this book to family and friends. LOVE it.
January 5, 2024
great book
This is a great book…follow the advice and find happiness. I am so glad I found this book. I intend to use it.
This is a great book…follow the advice and find happiness. I am so glad I found this book. I intend to use it.
June 11, 2025
I like fulton sheen he’s very direct and doesn’t overcomplicate the basics. Chapters were short and allowed for reflection which i liked
January 9, 2026
Would read again, and again, and again…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews