In "This Boy's Life" by Tobias Wolff, the author reflects on the contrasting nature of happiness and pain. He suggests that happiness can often feel limitless and naive, blissfully unaware that it will eventually fade. This perspective highlights the fleeting quality of joyful moments, making them all the more precious, yet transient.
Conversely, pain is described as a relentless experience that leaves a lasting impression. Unlike happiness, which is ephemeral, pain seems to persist, emphasizing the struggles one faces in life. This dichotomy between the two emotions captures the complex human experience, blending moments of joy with inevitable suffering.