There are two ways to spread happiness; either be the light who shines it or be the mirror who reflects it

There are two ways to spread happiness; either be the light who shines it or be the mirror who reflects it

Edith Wharton, the renowned American novelist and short story writer, understood the importance of spreading happiness in a world that can often be filled with darkness and despair. Her works often explored the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of individuals trying to find happiness in a society that valued wealth and status above all else.

Wharton believed that there are two ways to spread happiness: either be the light who shines it or be the mirror who reflects it. In her novels, she often portrayed characters who embodied these two roles. The light, in Wharton's view, is the person who radiates positivity and joy, who brings light into the lives of others through their actions and words. These individuals are often the ones who go out of their way to help others, who show kindness and compassion in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving.

One of Wharton's most famous novels, "The Age of Innocence," explores the themes of love, duty, and societal expectations in 19th-century New York. The protagonist, Newland Archer, finds himself torn between his love for the unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska and his duty to marry the proper and respectable May Welland. Throughout the novel, Wharton presents a nuanced portrait of a society that values appearances over true happiness, where individuals are forced to conform to rigid social norms at the expense of their own desires.