"It is one of man's curious idiosyncrasies to create difficulties for the pleasure of resolving them"

This quote by Joseph de Maistre speaks to the human propensity to develop problems for ourselves, even when we understand that it will be hard to solve them. It recommends that we have a particular enjoyment in the challenge of overcoming obstacles, which this pleasure is typically higher than the enjoyment of having a simple life. This might be viewed as a kind of masochism, where we enjoy the pain of the struggle more than the joy of the reward. It could also be seen as a kind of self-improvement, where we challenge ourselves to become better and stronger by getting rid of uphill struggles. Whatever the factor, it is clear that people have a tendency to create difficulties for themselves, and that this can be a source of satisfaction.