We deem those happy who from the experience of life have learnt to bear its ills without being overcome by them.

Carl Jung's quote reflects on the nature of happiness and how it is deeply tied to a person’s ability to handle the challenges and sufferings of life. Jung suggests that true happiness comes not from an absence of hardship, but from learning to bear life's ills without being completely overwhelmed. In this sense, happiness is a state of resilience—the ability to face adversity with strength and grace.

The quote emphasizes the importance of experience in shaping one’s ability to cope with life's difficulties. Through experience, individuals learn to adapt and develop emotional maturity, which allows them to maintain a sense of balance even in tough times. Jung implies that it is not the avoidance of pain that leads to happiness, but the acceptance and overcoming of it.

In this context, happiness is less about external circumstances and more about internal fortitude. People who can navigate life’s ups and downs without being crushed by them possess a deeper sense of contentment. They understand that pain is part of the human experience, and they find ways to thrive despite it, or even because of it, growing stronger in the process.

The origin of this quote lies in Jung’s extensive work on the human psyche and his focus on personal growth. As a pioneering figure in analytical psychology, Jung explored the concept of individuation, which involves integrating all aspects of oneself, including both light and dark experiences. This quote reflects his belief that true happiness comes from embracing the entirety of human experience and finding meaning in both the joys and the struggles of life.