America Quote by Susan Jacoby
“Too many Americans have twisted the sensible right to pursue happiness into the delusion that we are entitled to a guarantee of happiness. If we don't get exactly what we want, we assume someone must be violating our rights. We're no longer willing to write off some of life's disappointments to simple bad luck.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Entitlement, Susan Jacoby, 2015
People expect a guaranteed happiness, turning normal disappointments into perceived rights violations.
In simple terms: Expecting guaranteed happiness leads to entitlement.
Key Takeaway
Accept that disappointment is part of life.
Themes
entitlement
expectations
happiness
rights
Mood
frustrated
critical
Type
social commentary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal setbacks
- workplace expectations
- political discourse
- media consumption
Key Concepts
psychology
social critique
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does entitlement affect personal resilience?
- What realistic expectations can replace guaranteed happiness?
A Different Perspective
Not all hardships can be avoided; resilience is needed.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
