If you haven't been happy very young, you can still be happy later on, but it's much harder. You need more luck

If you haven't been happy very young, you can still be happy later on, but it's much harder. You need more luck

Simone de Beauvoir, a prominent French writer, philosopher, and feminist, once said, “If you haven't been happy very young, you can still be happy later on, but it's much harder. You need more luck.” This statement reflects the idea that our early experiences and upbringing play a significant role in shaping our happiness and well-being later in life. De Beauvoir believed that the foundation of happiness is laid in childhood, and if one does not experience happiness during those formative years, it can be more challenging to find happiness in adulthood.

De Beauvoir's own life experiences may have influenced her perspective on happiness. Born in 1908 in Paris, she grew up in a conservative and patriarchal society that limited women's opportunities and freedoms. Despite facing societal constraints, de Beauvoir pursued her education and career, becoming a renowned writer and philosopher. However, her personal relationships, including her tumultuous affair with fellow philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, were often fraught with challenges and complexities.

De Beauvoir's belief that happiness is harder to attain later in life without a foundation of early happiness can be seen in her own struggles with relationships and self-fulfillment. She wrote extensively about the importance of personal freedom and autonomy, advocating for women's rights and challenging traditional gender roles. However, de Beauvoir also grappled with feelings of loneliness and existential angst, questioning the meaning of life and the nature of human existence.