The-Conquest-of-Happiness-by-Bertrand-Russell

comes more than anything else from being
accustomed to receive as much of the right sort of
affection as one has need for. And it is this habit of
mind considered as a source of zest that I wish to
speak about in the present chapter.
It is affection received, not affection given, that
causes this sense of security, though it arises most
of all from affection which is reciprocal. Strictly
speaking, it is not only affection but also
admiration that has this effect. Persons whose trade
is to secure public admiration, such as actors,
preachers, speakers, and politicians, come to
depend more and more upon applause. When they
receive their due need of public approbation their
life is full of zest; when they do not, they become
discontented and self-centred. The diffused
goodwill of a multitude does for them what is done
for others by the more concentrated affection of the
few. The child whose parents are fond of him
accepts their affection as a law of nature. He does
not think very much about it, although it is of great
importance to his happiness. He thinks about the