In "The Cider House Rules," John Irving highlights the human desire for tranquility and peace in their lives. He suggests that it is unrealistic to expect people to simply accept a lack of serenity; instead, they have an inherent need to seek it out. This drive for tranquility is fundamental to human existence, reflecting our deep-rooted aspirations.

Irving emphasizes that when individuals cannot find tranquility in their surroundings, they will take action to create it themselves. This determination underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths to which people will go to achieve a sense of peace, making the pursuit of tranquility an essential aspect of life.