"The consuming desire of most human beings is deliberately to plant their whole life in the hands of some other person. I would describe this method of searching for happiness as immature. Development of character consists solely in moving toward self-sufficiency"

Quentin Crisp's quote checks out the dynamic in between dependency and self-sufficiency in the pursuit of happiness. At the heart of this statement lies an observation about humanity: people often look for fulfillment by entrusting their entire presence to somebody else. This desire to put one's life in the hands of another suggests a deep-rooted yearning for security, acceptance, and love. Nevertheless, Crisp critiques this tendency, identifying it as "immature", suggesting that it reflects an absence of individual development or growth.

The quote recommends that relying on another individual for happiness represents an avoidance of the obligation that comes with real self-awareness and personal growth. It highlights a kind of dependence that can prevent private autonomy and suppress the development of one's unique identity. By contracting out happiness and personal satisfaction, individuals might fail to cultivate resilience, self-reliance, and the capability to derive fulfillment from within.

Crisp points to self-sufficiency as the structure of character development. Emphasizing self-sufficiency doesn't indicate isolation or the rejection of meaningful relationships. Instead, it highlights the importance of cultivating an inner life that is rich and fulfilling on its own terms. This form of self-sufficiency empowers people to take ownership of their experiences and feelings, cultivating personal growth that is not contingent on the presence or approval of others.

Eventually, the quote posits that real maturity involves an inward journey towards comprehending oneself and obtaining joy from one's own actions, worths, and achievements. By supporting this self-sufficiency, people are better geared up to participate in healthy, mutual relationships, where happiness is shared and enhanced, rather than relied on. Crisp motivates a shift from external dependencies to internal perseverance, promoting for a form of individual advancement that champs autonomy and self-reliance as the course to genuine happiness.