Quote by Alain de Botton, on Arthur Schop
He did not mean to depress us, rather to free us from expectations which inspire bitterness. It is consoling, when love has let us down, to hear that happiness was never part of the plan.
Summary
This quote suggests that the speaker believes that the intent behind someone's actions or words may not always be to intentionally bring others down. Instead, it suggests that the purpose might be to release individuals from the burden of unfulfilled expectations, which often lead to bitterness. The quote also offers consolation by proposing that when love disappoints us, it is somewhat comforting to know that happiness was never something that was promised or guaranteed. In essence, it implies that accepting the absence of expected happiness can help one move forward with less resentment.