“If this was adulthood, the only improvement she could detect in her situation was that now she could eat dessert without eating her vegetables.”
I begin to think, that a calm is not desirable in any situation in life. Man was made for action and for bustle too, I believe.
A skilled commander seeks victory from the situation and does not demand it of his subordinates.
A tragic situation exists precisely when virtue does not triumph but when it is still felt that man is nobler than the forces which destroy him.
Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.