"Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly often attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to children, and by children to adults"
- Thomas Szasz
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Szasz recommends that joy is a subjective idea that is frequently credited to those who are unable to experience it. In the past, the living would attribute happiness to the dead, as if they remained in a much better place. Nowadays, adults tend to attribute joy to children, as if they are most likely to experience it. Likewise, kids frequently attribute joy to grownups, as if they are most likely to have it. This quote indicates that happiness is an elusive idea that is frequently attributed to those who are unable to experience it. It also suggests that joy is a subjective principle that is typically based on understanding rather than reality. Ultimately, this quote indicates that happiness is a fictional condition that is frequently attributed to those who are not able to experience it.
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