Esej “EVEN A HAPPY LIFE CANNOT BE WITHOUT A MEASURE OF DARKNESS, AND THE WORD HAPPY WOULD LOSE ITS MEANING IF IT WERE NOT BALANCED BY SADNESS”

06.10.2025 Externí autori 0 Comments 5 min read

Autor: Adela Bahledová

Happiness, an abstract yet universally sought after state of being, has captivated the human imagination throughout history. From ancient philosophers to contemporary psychologists, the quest to understand and cultivate happiness has been a central theme in the exploration of the human experience. Sadness, as an inevitable aspect of the human experience, holds a profound place in the spectrum of emotions. Unlike happiness, which is often celebrated and pursued, sadness is frequently met with discomfort and a desire for its swift resolution. People try to forget negative emotions as quickly as possible, even at the cost of deliberately suppressing them. Both of these challenging emotions, which have been studied for many years, are summed up in one thought. I admit that the depth hidden in the above-mentioned statement was a fascinating stimulus for me to write this work.

At first glance, the idea that happiness and sadness are intertwined may seem paradoxical. Society often promotes the idea of a constant state of euphoria as the ultimate goal, ignoring the diversity and contrast of emotions that shapes the human life. The pursuit of an exclusively happy life is an impossible task, as perfection is an illusion that crumbles in the face of real life experiences. We are constantly influenced by a lot of unrealistic statements about what life should look like. Under the pressure of this information, many are often convinced that the presence of negative emotions in our lives is wrong. I certainly don’t want to say that living in sadness is right, I’m just convinced that when something negative happens to us sometimes, it can move us forward. A more advanced perspective reveals that true happiness is inseparable from moments of sorrow and adversity, even if it seems surreal to us.

Happiness is often associated with positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and satisfaction. (Feldman, 2010) That sounds very pleasant, but is it the true essence of happiness? If we try to find the answer in the quote, it suggests that happiness is not complete without the presence of sadness. Happiness, in its purest form, is not the absence of challenges but the ability to navigate through them with resilience and optimism. The contrast provided by moments of darkness strengthens the brilliance of joy, creating a dynamic spectrum of emotions that gives depth and meaning to our experiences. The ebb and flow of happiness and sadness provide a rhythm to the symphony of life, each note contributing to the overall harmony. It could be said that every emotion on the interval of happiness and sadness plays its role. It seems to me that without sadness, happiness would be taken for granted and would lose its value.

It is through facing challenges that individuals discover their strength, resilience, and capacity for transformation. Just as a seed needs the darkness of the soil to sprout and reach towards the light, human beings often find their greatest strengths in the face of adversity.

This metaphorical expression of mine hides the idea I am trying to express. In times of sorrow, individuals are prompted to reflect on their values, priorities, and aspirations. These moments of contemplation not only foster personal growth but also contribute to a more profound understanding of oneself and others. In times of sadness, the importance of social support becomes evident. Human connections and empathetic understanding provide solace and comfort, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. The shared experience of sadness can strengthen bonds and create a supportive network that aids in overcoming life’s challenges. In essence, we could say that grief improves individuals as much as social groups. But I would like to take a closer look at individuals.

Jung explored the concepts of persona and shadow, representing the masks individuals present to the world and the hidden, often unconscious aspects of the self. The integration of the shadow—the darker and less conscious elements of the personality—is a crucial aspect of individuation. Jung believed that true happiness arises not from the denial or suppression of the shadow, but from the integration of its contents into one’s conscious awareness. According to him, the journey towards wholeness involves confronting and embracing the darkness within, acknowledging that it is an integral part of the self. The inevitability of sadness in life underscores the fragility of joy, prompting individuals to savour moments of happiness with greater appreciation. (Crowley, 1999) Without the contrast provided by moments of darkness, the concept of happiness would lose its significance and it would only become an everyday standard.

Embracing the transient nature of joy encourages individuals to be present in the moment, cherishing the beauty of fleeting happiness. The awareness that happiness is not a constant state, but a precious and ephemeral gift enhances its value and encourages a mindful approach to life. By acknowledging and integrating the shadow aspects, individuals can cultivate a more authentic and resilient happiness. (Nettle, 2006) The process of self discovery involves navigating through the complexities of one’s inner landscape, confronting fears and insecurities, and ultimately finding a harmonious balance between the contrasting elements of the psyche.

In conclusion, the quote highlights the importance of balance in life. The duality of these emotions enriches our lives, providing depth, meaning, and a pathway to personal growth. Happiness gains its depth and significance through its dance with sadness, each emotion complementing and enriching the other. By embracing both the light and the shadows, individuals can cultivate a more profound understanding of themselves and the world around them, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life. The wisdom within this quote encourages us to appreciate the delicate equilibri um of joy and sorrow, recognizing that it is the interplay between these emotions that makes life truly vibrant and meaningful.

Jung’s insight serves as an invitation to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, acknowledging that happiness and sadness are interwoven threads in the fabric of life. It encourages people to see the beauty in the paradox by delving into the depths of the unconscious, confronting the shadow, and integrating its contents. I believe that understanding and accepting the importance of this balance is the first step to changing our mindset and making progress. It is important that we stop following the ideas of something perfect in order to learn to benefit from the reality of life. Therefore, it is important to embrace both happiness and sadness as natural parts of life and to appreciate the value of each emotion. This appreciation will allow us to see the dynamic interplay of light and darkness that the true alchemy of a meaningful and fulfilled life unfolds.