"Half of the secular unrest and dismal, profane sadness of modern society comes from the vain ideas that every man is bound to be a critic for life"

This quote by Henry Van Dyke talks to the idea that much of the misery and frustration in modern society is brought on by the concept that everybody is bound to be a critic. This concept of continuous criticism has resulted in a lack of satisfaction and a sense of restlessness in society. It has actually caused people to become overly critical of themselves and others, resulting in feelings of distress and discontentment. This has actually led to an absence of gratitude for the advantages in life, and a concentrate on the negative. This quote is a reminder that we need to make every effort to be more appreciative and less important of ourselves and others, in order to develop a more favorable and content society.