Happiness is something you lay siege to, it is a battle like a game of go. I will take hold of all the pain and snuff it out.

Today I finally recognise the mistake that almost became my downfall: I expected too much out of life. I thought it would owe me happiness and cheerfulness. In fact, life offers neither good nor evil. Happiness is a fruit you cultivate and harvest inside your soul. You can not gain it from the outside. Why should I be fretful like a child that has got no gift? I have years ahead to be happy.

Ich habe zu viel vom Leben erwartet, ich dachte, es wäre mir Glück und Heiterkeit schuldig. In Wirklichkeit bietet das Leben weder das Gute noch das Böse. Das Glück ist eine Frucht, die man in einer Seele anbaut und erntet. Man kann sie nicht von außen erlangen. Warum sollte ich verdrossen sein wie ein Kind, das kein Geschenk bekommen hat? Ich habe Jahre vor mir, um glücklich zu sein!

Today I finally recognise the mistake that almost became my downfall: I expected too much out of life. I thought it would owe me happiness and cheerfulness. In fact, life offers neither good nor evil. Happiness is a fruit you cultivate and harvest inside your soul. You can not receive it from the outside. Why should I be fretful like a child that has got no gift? I have years ahead to be happy.