Pace on Earth

Sad Songs

On my way to work the other day I listened to an author describe the essence of his book entitled Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy. Essentially he is arguing that our society's fixation with happiness, from smiling in the face of adversity to overprescribing Prozac, is demonizing one of the most important catalysts for human expression. He argues that sadness and melancholy, which, he importantly notes, are different from clinical depression, are key to fostering great works of art, music, invention, community, etc. Solid argument, I'd like to subscribe to your newsletter.

I do tend to agree; sadness is essential for everyone if, for nothing else, to appreciate the good times even more.

Man, have I been lucky.

Pace out.

Labels: Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy, CBC

posted by Vitamin S @ 6:06 p.m.