"Happiness is the absence of suffering. I think it's an interesting way of looking at it. I think the absence of suffering exists very rarely in the world we live in"

Happiness, as Julie Christie suggests, can be understood not as a presence of something extraordinary or overwhelming, but simply as the lack of pain or suffering. This reframes the often elusive pursuit of happiness. Rather than seeking constant joy, exhilaration, or satisfaction, happiness could be seen as a calmness that emerges when distress, discomfort, or turmoil recedes, even if only temporarily. Such an understanding challenges modern notions that tie happiness to acquisition, achievement, or constant positivity.

Suffering is an unavoidable aspect of the human experience. Whether through personal loss, physical or emotional pain, disappointment, or existential disquiet, nearly everyone endures hardship at some point. Christie’s observation reflects the reality that true absence of suffering may be fleeting, if it occurs at all. Moments of peace or contentment might be brief and perhaps even go unnoticed because we often focus on suffering when it is present and take its absence for granted.

When happiness is defined through the lens of non-suffering, it is democratized; everyone has access to happiness, at least sporadically, regardless of status, success, or external pleasure. This perspective aligns with certain philosophical and spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism, which emphasize the impermanence of suffering and the value of cultivating acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion to alleviate distress.

Christie’s words also serve as a reminder to recognize and appreciate the intervals when life is not marked by struggle. These intervals, though sometimes rare or short-lived, are meaningful and valuable. Instead of chasing after some idealized vision of perpetual happiness, individuals might instead learn to notice and cherish the quiet, suffering-free spaces that arise within the challenges of life. Acknowledging this makes happiness feel more attainable, turning our attention away from absence and lack, toward presence and gratitude.