Happiness equals what we have, divided by what we expect.
Carlyle has put it cleverly. He says that happiness is inversely proportionate to the quantity of our expectations, i.e., how much we think we are entitled to. Happiness equals what we have, divided by what we expect.
By certain valuations, and averages, of our own striking, we come upon some sort of average terrestrial lot; this we fancy belongs to us by nature, and of indefeasible right.
It is simple payment of wages, of our deserts; requires neither thanks nor complaint; only such overplus as there may be do we account Happiness; any deficit again is Misery.
Now consider that we have the valuation of our own deserts ourselves, and what a fund of Self-conceit there is in each of us,—do you wonder that the balance should so often dip the wrong way … I tell thee, Blockhead, it all comes of thy Vanity; of what thou fanciest those same deserts of thine to be.
Fancy that thou deservest to be hanged as is most likely), thou wilt feel it happiness to be only shot . . .
. . . the Fraction of Life can be increased in value not so much by increasing your Numerator as by lessening your Denominator, Nay, unless my Algebra deceive me, Unity itself divided by Zero will give Infinity.
Make thy claim of wages a zero, then thou hast the world under thy feet. Well did the Wisest of our time write:
“It is only with Renunciation (Entsagen) that Life, properly speaking, can be said to
begin.” ~Edward F. Edinger, Ego and Archetype, Page 61
