"If only we'd stop trying to be happy we'd have a pretty good time"

This quote by Edith Wharton suggests that the pursuit of joy can frequently cause disappointment and aggravation. Rather of constantly pursuing joy, the speaker suggests that we should simply enjoy the present minute and take advantage of it. By releasing the pressure to be happy, we can really have a more pleasurable and satisfying experience. This quote likewise highlights the idea that joy is not something that can be forced or accomplished through effort, but rather it is something that comes naturally when we let go of our expectations and simply embrace today.