The Tyranny of Happiness—

     From what terrible necessity do we derive the imperative that happiness shall stand as our highest goal? Even the martyr, who undoubtedly suffers for his martyrdom, cherishes the notion that his deed will contribute to the collective happiness of those he has left behind; for, has there ever been a martyr who sacrificed himself solely for the benefit of future martyrs?—No, the redemption in his deed is parasitic on the happiness of the others—the martyr is beholden to the grateful. But they know, we know, that happiness is, in the end, a reaffirmation of our animal heritage, and are thus doubly enslaved: first to our gratitude, and then to our guilt.