Happiness, misery and the Atman

After every happiness comes misery. They may be far apart or near. The more advanced the soul, the more quickly does one follow the other. What we want is neither happiness nor misery. Both make us forget our true nature. Both are chains--one iron, one gold. Behind both is the Ātman, who is affected by neither happiness nor misery.

- Swami Vivekananda

Retreat given at the Thousand Island Park, USA. June 25, 1895. Complete Works, 7.11.