Who Are Happiest? and Other Stories

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24753

Title

Who Are Happiest? and Other Stories

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

T. S. Arthur's moral tales for young adults explore the relationship between wealth, happiness, and character. Through stories of envy, contentment, and integrity, the book teaches that true joy stems from spiritual richness rather than material abundance, urging readers to cultivate humility and kindness in a fallen world.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Who Are Happiest? and Other Stories*, T. S. Arthur addresses young readers not merely as children, but as future men and women, utilizing adult characters to illustrate moral principles essential for mature life. The collection argues that true happiness is found in contentment, integrity, and a focus on spiritual well-being rather than worldly accumulation. The opening tale, "Who Are Happiest?," contrasts the life of a poor laborer, Mr. Aiken, with that of his wealthy neighbor, Mr. Freeman. While Freeman's fortune is eventually destroyed by fire, leaving him in ruin, Aiken remains content and joyful. The story demonstrates that riches often increase anxiety and worry, whereas poverty, when met with gratitude, fosters peace. Arthur posits that happiness is a state of mind achievable by the poor just as easily as the rich, provided one is humble and thankful for God's provisions. In "Dick Lawson, and the Young Mocking-Bird," a boy named Dick is tempted to rob a bird's nest for a reward offered by a wealthy man. Despite the financial incentive and the apparent authorization from the wealthy owner, Dick learns that doing wrong for profit is unjust. The narrative reinforces the idea that moral integrity must be maintained regardless of external permissions or financial gain. "Man's Judgment" tackles the theological question of whether poverty or riches are barriers to heaven. Through a debate between a poor man, Maxwell, and his friend, Arthur concludes that neither wealth nor poverty itself determines one's spiritual standing. Instead, spiritual pride, selfishness, and a lack of love for one's neighbor are the true obstacles to salvation. The rich are not inherently barred from heaven, nor are the poor automatically blessed; both states require virtue to be truly happy. The story "What Five Dollars Paid" explores the dangers of hasty judgment and the importance of quick repentance. A misunderstanding regarding a social engagement leads to a public accusation of falsehood against an innocent young woman. The crisis is resolved only when characters confess their errors, correct their impressions, and repair the damage, highlighting that honesty and the willingness to admit fault are vital for maintaining social harmony and personal integrity. Finally, "The Rich and the Poor" features a father explaining to his children that God distributes wealth and poverty according to eternal ends, not as rewards or punishments. He teaches that both conditions require virtue to be blessed and that one should never envy the external circumstances of others. Across these narratives, Arthur emphasizes that the path to a happy life lies in overcoming envy, practicing honesty, and seeking spiritual growth over material success.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Fiction