We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world. To make injustice the only measure of our attention is to praise the Devil.
This quote ignites a profound meditation on the importance of embracing genuine joy and passion despite the hardships and injustices that pervade life. It challenges the common tendency to avoid vulnerability and discomfort, advocating instead for a courageous acceptance of our moments of true gladness. Gilbert emphasizes that delight—an intense form of joy—is essential for a meaningful existence, even if it exposes us to the risk of pain or disappointment. The phrase 'ruthless furnace of this world' vividly illustrates the harsh realities and suffering that accompany human life, yet they should not deter us from seeking and accepting joy.
Throughout our lives, it is easy to fall into the trap of focusing solely on injustice and suffering, as these are often the most visible and pressing issues we encounter. However, to do so is to effectively praise the negative forces at work—symbolized here by the phrase 'praise the Devil.' Instead, Gilbert urges us to cultivate a stubborn resilience, a refusal to let the darkness overshadow the moments of gladness that make life worth living. In unleashing this attitude, we affirm our humanity, our capacity for passion, and our refusal to be defeated by life's cruelty. This perspective fosters a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between pain and joy, urging us to live fully and bravely within this tension.
In essence, it’s a call for authentic engagement with life—acknowledging suffering but refusing to let it diminish our capacity for delight. It reminds us that true vitality comes from taking risks to experience delight, even in the face of adversity, and that this risk is a vital act of defiance and affirmation of life’s profound complexity.
