If we're pulling out quotes discussing this essay, then I'll take a swing at the statement near the very end.

"If life seems awful to kids, it's neither because hormones are turning you all into monsters (as your parents believe), nor because life actually is awful (as you believe)."

"If life was half as good as we are led to believe, newborn babies would be laughing when they enter this world." --no idea who said this

I confess. I am a cynic to the bone.