Oliver, success is usually a feeling of mere relief, where failure is pain. Happiness, you see, lies in neither, but in sticking to a daily ritual and becoming absorbed in something useful. When the war is over, even the greatest warriors do not exult. They go back to their garden or kitchen or library -- or school -- and resume life.{as said by Mrs. Pearson}
In "The King in the Window," Oliver reflects on the nature of success and failure. He suggests that success often brings a sense of relief, while failure is accompanied by pain, indicating that neither truly equates to happiness. Instead, true fulfillment comes from engaging in daily routines and immersing oneself in meaningful activities.
Moreover, the sentiment conveyed by Mrs. Pearson highlights that after significant struggles, like war, even the most accomplished individuals find solace in returning to their ordinary lives. They shift their focus back to simple pleasures, such as gardening or reading, illustrating that genuine contentment lies in the everyday rather than in moments of triumph.
