One of the major themes of Grossman’s The Magicians is that happiness is an evolving process shaped through the personal growth of the individual. In The Magicians, Quentin undertakes a fantastical journey to find happiness, but happiness is not about a place or context or journey; rather, it is about the person and how they embrace life. Though a teenager, Quentin still yearns for the happiness a child understands, which is expressed in his ongoing preoccupation with the Fillory stories. Quentin’s perception of the world that he grew up in is tainted by his overweening deference to the idyllic world of Fillory. This has stunted both his emotional and psychological growth and leads him to search for happiness where happiness does not exist. Throughout the story, Quentin searches for that perfect moment, and believes he finds it, first in the magic of Brakebills, then with the Physical Kids, and later with Alice. However, his happiness is either short-lived or tainted, leading him to once more resume his search. When he discovers that Fillory is a real place, Quentin believes he will finally know true happiness; when Fillory fails to live up to his expectations, he retreats into alcohol and indifference. In the end, Quentin fails to find happiness because he does not understand that finding happiness is about growing as a person and embracing each moment as it comes.