Who said “Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly attributed by the living to the dead, now…”?

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Thomas Szasz. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Second Sin (1973), "Emotions", p. 36.

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“Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to children, and by children to adults.”
VerifiedThe Second Sin (1973), "Emotions", p. 36. · evidenceHappiness
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Second Sin (1973), "Emotions", p. 36..

APA

Szasz, T. (n.d.). Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to children, and by children to adults. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21110-happiness-is-an-imaginary-condition-formerly-attributed-by/

MLA

Szasz, Thomas. “Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to children, and by children to adults.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21110-happiness-is-an-imaginary-condition-formerly-attributed-by/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Szasz, Thomas. “Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to children, and by children to adults.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21110-happiness-is-an-imaginary-condition-formerly-attributed-by/.