"Some of us learned in a school of philosophy which taught that all was for the common good and nothing for oneself and have never, in any case, regarded the pursuit of happiness as anything other than an aberration of the human spirit"

This quote by John Grierson talks to the concept that a few of us were taught to prioritize the collective excellent over our own private needs and desires. He recommends that the pursuit of joy is an aberration of the human spirit, implying that it is not a natural or necessary part of life. This might be interpreted as a criticism of the concept of the pursuit of happiness, suggesting that it is a selfish and misdirected goal. It might likewise be viewed as a tip to focus on the collective good over our own private requirements and desires. Eventually, this quote encourages us to think about the importance of collective wellness and the potential effects of prioritizing specific joy.