In her book "An Experiment in Love," Hilary Mantel explores the contrasting perceptions of happiness among individuals. She notes that some people inherently believe they deserve happiness and live their lives with that expectation, while others do not share this outlook and feel that happiness is not something guaranteed to anyone. This divergence can shape their approaches to life and its challenges.

Mantel’s insight highlights the subjective nature of happiness and how it influences the way individuals navigate their experiences. For some, happiness feels like a natural right, while for others, it is viewed as an unattainable ideal, not guaranteed by mere existence. This perspective encourages readers to reflect on their beliefs about happiness and what it means in the context of their own lives.