"Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable"

The juxtaposition of outward struggle and inner happiness, as well as external wealth and profound misery, reveals the inadequacy of material conditions as the sole determinants of one's emotional or psychological state. Tacitus observes a paradox that spans cultures and centuries: those faced with difficulty, hardship, or adversity may possess contentment, fulfillment, or even joy, while those surrounded by luxury and abundance can feel deeply unhappy.

Adversity may foster resilience, gratitude, and a sense of meaning. Obstacles can become sources of personal growth, cultivating virtues such as patience, humility, and empathy. Facing hardship offers individuals opportunities to connect with others, appreciate small mercies, and derive satisfaction from overcoming obstacles. The process of striving, learning, and enduring often brings a deeper sense of purpose than does effortless comfort. A person navigating difficult circumstances may thus experience intense satisfaction from their progress, companionship in shared struggle, and pride in perseverance.

On the other hand, great affluence does not guarantee happiness. Material abundance may come with its own burdens: the pressure to maintain wealth, the fear of loss, isolation from genuine relationships, and a lack of true purpose. When one's life is saturated with comforts, the small joys that animate existence can become invisible, dulled by familiarity and excess. The absence of adversity sometimes leads to a stagnation of the spirit, a sense that life lacks meaning or challenge. Without hardship to overcome, individuals may struggle to develop gratitude, or to appreciate the value of what they have. Moreover, they may become preoccupied with comparison, envy, or existential ennui.

Tacitus prompts reflection on the inward sources of happiness. He suggests that the cultivation of inner qualities, acceptance, gratitude, resilience, and purpose, can matter more than one's external situation. Happiness is not always a function of comfort or fortune, but can emerge in the crucible of challenge, while misery can take root amid plenty.