unvarnished life is dreadful, dark and dismal natures norm is chaos, pain and struggle family, friends and culture remain our finest buffers as varnished life is hopeful, positive and full of colors
I like your language. I also like alliteration so I appreciate the line with “dreadful, dark, and dismal”.
I also like the sentiment. It’s like asking the question of whether ignorance is bliss, which is an intriguing concept to ponder and contemplate its implications.