I believe that negative events DO have an effect on our happiness. Humans like to feel superior because it makes us feel significant. When we see bad things happen to other people, we tend to think better of our own lives. We learn to be more appreciative of what we have because these events can make realize that good things come as easily as they go. Being grateful is one the biggest steps to become happier.
Perhaps the answer is "heroism". This man doesn't feel fear, he has to do what must be done. He wants to have his freedom more than anything else, and if somebody wants to stop him, he can only try, he is so brave and heroic that he will fight him for the thing he deserves.
