Quote by William James

The attitude of unhappiness is not only painful, it is mean and ugly. What can be more base and unworthy than the pining, puling, mumping mood, no matter by what outward ills it may have been engendered? What is more injurious to others? What less helpful as a way out of the difficulty? It but fastens and perpetuates the trouble which occasioned it, and increases the total evil of the situation. At all costs, then, we ought to reduce the sway of that mood; we ought to scout it in ourselves and others, and never show it tolerance.

Summary

This quote suggests that unhappiness is not only painful but also reveals an unkind and unattractive attitude. The quote questions the worthiness of wallowing in a state of melancholy, regardless of the external circumstances that may have brought it about. It emphasizes that this disposition is detrimental not only to oneself but also to others, offering no helpful solution to the difficulties faced. Furthermore, it argues that indulging in this pessimistic mindset only perpetuates and worsens the problems. Therefore, the quote advocates for actively rejecting and minimizing the influence of unhappiness in order to foster a more positive and constructive outlook on life.