Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)

Togo Igawa: Old Monk

Quotes 

• Hector : You've been a fugitive. You've been in prison for your beliefs, you've lost family and loved ones. I mean, you've just been through so much. How is it you're so happy?

  Old Monk : Because I've been through so much.

  Hector : I mean, searching for happiness is one thing, but making it the goal, it just doesn't work, does it?

  Old Monk : Higher than that, Hector. More important than what we are searching for is what we are avoiding.

  Hector : Like unhappiness. So, don't make unhappiness *not* the goal?

  Old Monk : Higher than that.

  Hector : Avoiding unhappiness is *not* the road to happiness.

  Old Monk : You hold all the cards, Hector.

  [both laugh] 

• Old Monk : Would you like to come in?

  Hector : Yes, please. 'Cause I might not be around next week.

  Old Monk : The moment of death is indeed uncertain. Come in.

• Hector : I can't wait to tell my patients.

  Old Monk : Tell them what?

  Hector : We all, all of us have the capacity to be happy.

  Old Monk : Higher than that Hector.

  Hector : We all have a right to be happy?

  Hector : I see. We all have an obligation to be happy.