In adolescence, I hated life and was continually on the verge of suicide, from which, however, I was restrained by the desire to know more mathematics. Now, on the contrary, I enjoy life; I might almost say that with every year that passes I enjoy it more…very largely it is due to a diminishing preoccupation with myself.

External discipline is the only road to happiness for those unfortunates whose self-absorption is too profound to be cured in any other way.

via: https://scottaaronson.blog/?p=2091#comment-326664