“Reality is subjective, and there’s an unenlightened tendency in this culture to regard something as ‘important’ only if ‘tis sober and severe. Sure and still you’re right about your Cheerful Dum, only they’re not so much happy as lobotomized. But your Gloomy Smart are just as ridiculous. When you’re unhappy, you get to pay a lot of attention to yourself. And you get to take yourself oh so very seriously. Your truly happy people, which is to say, your people who truly like themselves, they don’t think about themselves very much. Your unhappy person resents it when you try to cheer him up, because that means he has to stop dwellin’ on himself and start payin’ attention to the universe. Unhappiness is the ultimate form o’ self-indulgence.”

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Originally said in English.

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About Tom Robbins

American novelist and essayist, 1936–present. He blends surrealism with social commentary, crafting stories that explore human nature, spirituality, and the absurdities of life through rich, inventive prose. His works often feature eccentric characters and playful, philosophical musings on existence.

More from Tom Robbins (176 quotes) →
"Reality is subjective, and there’s an unenlightened tendency in this…" — Tom Robbins | Daily Quotes