The Science of Happiness
Jean Pinot
2 The Science of Happiness
Man is so accustomed to Hearing his misfortunes discussed that it is very difficult for him to listen to those who speak to him of his happiness. His philosophy is mournful, as well as his morality, his poetry, his literature, and especially his history He has been painted in such gloomy hues that he believes the brighter portraits to be inferior in their essence. He does not seem to understand that it is much easier to colour things black, just as it is easier to do evil than to do good.
But man is full of contradictions. He desires long life and he yearns for happiness ; yet in reality he lives only a small portion of his existence and patiently sustains himself upon woes which he cre- ates of his own free will or permits others to impose.
We shall never be able to do enough to combat these tendencies, which are so harmful to our destinies. "Conflict is noble, and hope is sub- lime," to use the words of Plato. So let us enter upon a battle for our happiness, a battle that is now more necessary than ever. A transformed society requires different thoughts for its guidance. The people should not only possess sovereign power, but their life and their virtues should also become sovereign. It is high time to restore to the people their happiness, just as their political rights have been redeemed. We are wrong to give our comprehension of life the same immobility that ancient Egypt bestowed upon her gods. The time has come for the reshaping of our ideas of goodness* longing, sorrow, as well as of happiness. "