Happiness vs truth is the major battleground of human nature. One cannot function for a long period of time in a state of profound unhappiness. The mechanisms to balance our (un)happiness depend on personal tradition and intellect, from the most primitive like superstitions and other forms of belief rituals to simple denial of unpleasant facts of life (e.g. death). There is no universal solution to avoiding the misery of life and at the same time staying rational about it. As Woody Alain puts it: “One must have one’s delusions to live. If you look at life too honestly and clearly, life becomes unbearable because it’s a pretty grim enterprise, you will admit.”
How do you balance your life? What is your recipe to stay not unhappy and rational? My long years of denial tough me nothing. I would like to stay positive about it, but I have never liked the price…

It’s easy for Woody Alain to say it: be delusional. There is no danger of him becoming a religious fanatic over it. So how does one measures a healthy dose of delusion, which allows you to function but keeps you grounded (realistic). I suppose the key is intelligence (and a good sense of humour). The only problem is the best measure of intelligence is the ability to establish that balance, so we are in a vicious cycle.

Let’s summarize with a quote by Friedrich Nietzsche “Here the ways of men divide. If you wish to strive for peace of soul and happiness, then believe; if you wish to be a disciple of truth, then inquire.”.