In Alexandre Dumas's "The Comte de Monte-Cristo: Tome 1," the notion of happiness is explored through the idea that true joy is absent from the world. Instead, happiness is portrayed as a relative concept, heavily dependent on comparisons between different states of being. This perspective suggests that individuals often measure their satisfaction against what others have or what they lack.

This quote highlights the complexity of human emotions and the societal influences that shape our perceptions of happiness. It implies that rather than seeking happiness in its own right, people too often look at their circumstances in relation to others, ultimately finding that joy is more about these comparisons than an intrinsic state of being.