Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont:
THE TRUE NATURE OF HAPPINESS
Man is happiest when sad
What goals can the happy have?
They might as well be dead
Believe me, happiness can fill
the bravest heart with dread

Quick, you look content –
a remedy must be found
Lies do wonders, even in small amounts
Come, I will cheer you up
by bringing you down
Your misery is all that counts
It is nothing,
the least I can do
Anything for you

Away with happiness, if you please
All you need is war
to help you find your peace
A smile in itself is useless
unless it brings others to their knees

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