Quote by Pearl S. Buck: “Growth itself contains the germ of happiness.”

This concise thought suggests that the very process of personal development and learning brings inherent joy. It implies that actively striving to improve and expand oneself is a direct path to contentment, rather than simply seeking static happiness, making progress a source of fulfillment.

The post-war era saw increased focus on personal development and psychological well-being as societies recovered and looked towards a more prosperous future. Buck's reflections in *My Several Worlds* often touched upon the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in a changing global landscape.

American writer and novelist who spent much of her life in China. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her novel "The Good Earth" in 1932 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938, becoming the first American woman to win both.