The Happy Haven

Today, I am going to share with you one of the popular pieces written by Napoleon Hill before he passed away in the last century.

It contains important life lessons for a fulfilling, satisfying and enduring achievements in this transient world. It simplifies the algebra of life.

I hope you will find it beneficial and useful.

The essence of the message is about right and cheerful living which is the source of everlasting riches; the foundation of true contentment. 

Calmly study the beautiful words, sentence by sentence and become wiser in the process:

“The richest man in all the world lives in Happy Valley. He is rich in values that endure, in things he cannot lose — things that provide him with contentment, sound health, peace of mind, and harmony within his soul.

Here is {what he says about the} inventory of his riches and how he acquired them:

I found happiness by helping others find it.

I found sound health by living temperately and eating only the food my body requires to maintain itself.

I hate no man, envy no man, but love and respect all mankind.

I am engaged in labour of love with which I mix play generously; therefore, I seldom grow tired.

I pray daily, not for more riches, but for more wisdom with which to recognize, embrace and enjoy the great abundance of riches I already possess.

I speak no name save only to honour it, and I slander no man for any cause whatsoever.

I ask no favours of anyone except the priviledge of sharing my blessings with all who desire them.

I am on good terms with my conscience; therefore, it guides me accurately in everything I do.

I have more material wealth than I need because I am free from greed and covet only those things I can use constructively while I live. 

My wealth comes from those whom I have benefited by sharing my blessings.

The estate of Happy Valley which I own is not taxable. It exists mainly in my own mind, in intangible riches that cannot be assessed for taxation or appropriated except by those who adopt my way of life.

I created this estate over a lifetime of effort by observing nature’s law and forming habits to conform with them.”

For the enlightened seeker of right living, the above narrative is enough for study and reflection at one sitting; but still, I want to emphasize the last sentence on forming habits in line with natural laws — due to its overriding significance — by adding a little more; a practical step toward the refinement of our character.

Refinement of Character

According to the American business philosopher, Jim Rohn, “Every disciplined effort brings a multiple of rewards.” This is a fundamental law of sowing and reaping; the fundational principle of human affairs.

And, in order to multiply your future harvest of blessings, satisfaction and joy; I dare you to decide on one good behaviour to cultivate into habit of a life time, from today onward.

For example….

It could be to decide to……. give more of the good and desirable which you have, to others than they expect from you.

It could be to decide never to…… complain again, no matter the degree of perceived injustice or apparent error.

It could be to decide never to…….. speak badly of anyone, anymore — even when it is the truth.

By doing this, you will be creating a refined moral fiber in the layers of your character. And character is the sustaining element of all prosperity.

This is the truth taught for thousands of years by all the sages of history; and it is that: from virtue springs all lasting human blessings, whether for an  individual or for a society.

It originates from the belief in our personal goodness and in the personal goodness of others, which gives us inner peace and also enables us to strive to make others better.

Concisely,  the heart of Hill’s message can be summed up in the pithy guidance of the notable Indian scholar, Mokshagundam Vishveshwariah that rich and happy havens exist for those who can make hardwork, disciplined habits, modesty in living, contentment and cheerfulness the core principles they live by throughout their lives.

If we can embrace and imbibe the aforementioned tenets, then together we can have a meaningful, prosperous and truly contented life at last.