Life as it is from Myths to Live BY by Joseph Campbell (p.107)

The obvious lesson ......... is that the first step to the knowledge of the highest divine symbol of the wonder and mystery of life is in the recognition of the monstrous nature of life and its glory in that character: the realization that this how it is and that it cannot and will not be changed. 

 Those who think -- and their name is legion -- that they know how the universe could have been better than it is, how it would have been if they had created it, without pain, without sorrow, without time, without life, are unfit for illumination.  

Or those who think --as do many-- "Let me first correct society, then get around to myself" are barred from even the outer gate of the mansion ogf God's peace.  All societies are evil, sorrowful, inequitable; and so they will always be.  

So if you really want to help this world, 
what you will have to teach is how to live in it.  
And that no one can do, 
who has not himself learned 
how to live in it 
in the joyful sorrow 
and sorrowful joy 
of the knowledge of life as it is.