Brave New World 16

"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the overcompensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand." pg 221

squalid- foul or repulsive

Ahh, all that glitters is not gold. All is normal in the book. Continuous happiness will never amount to overcoming hardships. Happiness on it's own isn't rewarding, but the work done to strive toward it is immeasurably satisfying. The people in this sick science world were never actually happy, because they never did anything for their own well- being. They don't fully know what happiness is because they know nothing of sadness. I just love themes.

In life, we live cautiously, scared to make a mistake. This way, we do no wrong and cannot be punished. By living in a state of neutrality, we never fall into the pit of despair, but also never experience the awesome wonder of a mountain top. Scared of failure, many people miss out on life's experiences.