Almanac: James Gould Cozzens on virtue and happiness
"Never believe that afflictions improve character, enlarge the understanding, or teach you charitable thoughts! The man not afflicted, the easy, open fortunate man is the likable man, the kindly man, the considerate man"in short, the man who may have time and inclination to think of someone besides himself. Be virtuous, and you'll be happy? Nonsense! […]