“It's like Tolstoy said. Happiness is an allegory, unhappiness a story.”

Simplified Meaning:

When a person is happy, it's often simple and doesn't need much explaining. Their story might be short and sweet, like "I got a new job," and that’s it. Happiness in life often feels straightforward and doesn't always have many layers or details to it. On the other hand, when someone is unhappy, there are usually many reasons and events behind it. Their story might be long and complex, full of different experiences and emotions. Think about when you feel sad or upset. You might have a lot of thoughts and memories about why you feel this way: maybe someone said something hurtful, or you had a bad day at work. Each small detail adds up to tell the full story of your unhappiness. In summary, happiness is often simple and easy to understand, like a short summary, while unhappiness is usually detailed and intricate, like a long story with lots of twists and turns. This idea can remind us to pay attention to the deeper reasons behind people's sadness, understanding that there’s often more beneath the surface.