When I first read this line by England's Poet Laureate, it startled me. What did Masefield mean? Without thinking about it much, I had always assumed that the opposite was true. But his sober assurance was arresting. I could not forget it.  

　　 

Finally, I seemed to grasp his meaning and realized that here was a profound observation. The wisdom that happiness makes possible lies in clear perception, not fogged by anxiety nor dimmed by despair and boredom¹, and without the blind spots caused by fear. 

　　 

Active happiness－not more satisfaction or contentment－often comes suddenly, like an April shower or the unfolding of a bud. Then you discover what kind of wisdom has accompanied it. The grass is greener; bird songs are sweeter; the shortcomings of your friends are more understandable and more forgivable. Happiness is like a pair of eyeglasses correcting your spiritual vision. 

　　 

Nor are the insights of happiness limited to what is near around you. Unhappy, with your thoughts turned in upon your emotional woes², your vision is cut short as though by a wall. Happy, the wall crumbles³. 

　　 

The long vista⁴ is there for the seeing. The ground at your feet, the world about you－people, thoughts, emotions, pressures－are now fitted into the larger scene. Everything assumes a fairer proportion. And here is the beginning of wisdom.

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