pleasure-as-happiness

In this chapter, Edmond contemplates the pursuit of power and its futility, considering various forms such as financial, martial, and emotional control, but ultimately rejects them all as meaningless in the vast cosmic scale. He experiences a profound shift in perspective, realizing human ambitions are insignificant against the backdrop of the universe's indifferent chaos. Resigned, he abandons grand schemes of conquest and knowledge, turning instead toward the pursuit of happiness through sensory pleasure and companionship.