You've probably never heard of dear Horace even though he wrote several historical works, coined the word "serendipity," and is generally credited with inventing the Gothic novel. (He was also known for over-supporting corrupt monarchs, but I'm interested only in his literary achievements.)
Anyway, I did some research on him because I wanted to know why someone would say such a thing. At first, I assumed he was a feeler having a bit of a pity-party for himself, or a thinker laughing at a well-composed satire. But as it seems, Horace was decently balanced. And even though I appreciate the wit - I have to believe this particular quotation is misguided.
I would have expected Mr. (Sir?) Walpole to have recognized this either/or fallacy. Maybe he did, but ignored it. Life is neither a comedy nor a tragedy - it is a mixture of the sorrow that makes us stronger (or bitter), and the joy that lifts our spirits (or makes us complacent). If you think the world is tragic (as you might after hearing/seeing this moving piece of music), take a step back and look at a bigger picture - one where there are people working to make it better (like the songwriter and the artists spreading awareness).
One moment life looks tragic, another makes you laugh at it's comedy. Therefore, I confront the fickle-feeler in me with the knowledge that this life is not a logical fallacy and remind the detached analytical in me to be willing to feel sadness as well as happiness.
