In Charles Frazier's "Nightwoods," the narrative explores the complexity of human emotions and the necessity of balance in life. The quote suggests that people often desire a state of equilibrium, free from the extremes of love and hate, joy and sorrow. This desire for a smooth existence implies that individuals long for a way to navigate life without the intensity of emotional highs and lows.
The statement reflects a deep understanding of the dualities in human experience. It emphasizes that one cannot fully enjoy the good without acknowledging the bad. This concept indicates that accepting the richness of life means embracing its complexities, where safety can coexist with risk and pleasure with pain. Thus, the quest for a tranquil existence may require confronting the very vulnerabilities that come with being alive.