Ghosts (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

by Henrik Ibsen

Manders. My dear Mrs. Alving, there are many occasions in life when one has to rely on the opinion of others. That is the way in this world, and it is quite right that it should be so. What would become of society, otherwise?

Manders. To crave for happiness in this world is simply to be possessed by a spirit of revolt. What right have we to happiness? No!

Mrs. Alving. Well, at any rate this much is certain, that I didn’t consult myself in the matter at all.

Mrs. Alving (going to the window). Oh, law and order! I often think it is that that is at the bottom of all the misery in the world.