People are happiest when not plagued with a deterministic view of how the past shapes the present. If you see the potential for dropping and overcoming the miseries of the past, you’re more likely to find happiness.

"Positive psychologists have discovered that people are happiest when not plagued with a deterministic view of how the past shapes the present. If you think that your past miseries doom you to a miserable future, that attitude will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you see the potential for dropping and overcoming the miseries of the past, you’re more likely to find happiness."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "The Karma of Happiness: A Buddhist Monk Looks at Positive Psychology"

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