STS fiction books

[Reaper]

One thing I have often wondered is whether they're happy? 

I often wonder the same thing for those on the other side. I know a great number of positive spiritual seekers who struggle greatly with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and other frustrations.

I think it's safe to say that no one on either path is going to be happy all of the time, and both sides can easily destroy themselves (or get themselves destroyed) via lack of willpower and/or discernment. There has to be something that makes one follow a path even through the worst pain and struggle, however, and I think that is when the concept of deeper happiness begins to unfold. An entity who "self-destructs" on their path has simply given up their path.