Question

What do you think Mond means when he says, 'Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the overcompensations for misery'? Is this true? (Ch. 16 or 17)

- Option a: Happiness is inherently inferior to misery
- Option b: True, because people tend to glorify misery
- Option c: Happiness often appears less exciting than dramatic misery
- Option d: False, as happiness always surpasses misery

Answer 1

Mond's statement suggests that happiness often appears less exciting than dramatic misery, which people tend to prioritize and glorify. While some may argue that happiness is inferior to misery, the overcompensations for misery make it seem more desirable.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Mond says, 'Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the overcompensations for misery', he means that happiness often appears less exciting than dramatic misery. This statement suggests that people tend to prioritize and glorify misery over contentment due to societal and personal factors.

While some may argue that happiness is inherently inferior to misery, Mond's statement implies that the overcompensations for misery, such as attention, sympathy, and drama, make it seem more desirable than actual happiness.