Longfellow smiled. A great part of the happiness of life consists not in fighting battles, my dear Lowell, but in avoiding them. A masterly retreat is in itself a victory.
In "The Dante Club," Longfellow shares a profound insight about life and happiness. He suggests that true contentment often comes not from engaging in conflicts, but rather from finding ways to sidestep them. This idea emphasizes the wisdom of understanding when to fight and when to preserve one's peace by retreating gracefully.
Longfellow's perspective transforms the notion of victory. Instead of equating success solely with triumph in battles or challenges, he indicates that a strategic withdrawal can also signify a win. This reflects a deeper understanding of life’s complexities and highlights the importance of choosing one’s battles wisely for overall happiness.
