"The only way to avoid being unhappy is to close yourself up in Art and to count for nothing all the rest"

In this quote, Gustave Flaubert recommends that the key to avoiding unhappiness is to immerse oneself in art and neglect whatever else. By "closing yourself up in Art," Flaubert indicates to totally welcome and participate in the world of art, whether it be through creating, appreciating, or studying it. He believes that by doing so, one can escape the troubles and dissatisfactions of the outside world. Flaubert also implies that the rest of the world, with all its complexities and challenges, is unworthy thinking about or fretting about. Instead, he promotes for finding solace and fulfillment in the appeal and creativity of art.