Seeking Happiness

Nasrudin saw a man sitting disconsolately at the wayside, and asked what ailed him.

“There is nothing of interest in life, brother,” said the man; “I have sufficient capital not to have to work, and I am on this trip only in order to seek something more interesting than the life I have at home. So far I haven’t found it.”

Without another word, Nasrudin seized the traveller’s knapsack and made off down the road with it, running like a hare. Since he knew the area, he was able to out-distance him.

The road curved, and Nasrudin cut across several loops, with the result that he was soon back on the road ahead of the man whom he had robbed. He put the bag by the side of the road and waited in concealment for the other to catch up.

Presently the miserable traveller appeared, following the tortuous road, more unhappy than ever because of his loss. As soon as he saw his property lying there, he ran towards it, shouting with joy.

“That’s one way of producing happiness,” said Nasrudin.
_{Idries Shah, The Exploits of the Incomparable Mulla Nasrudin}

We should be happy under all circumstances,
means if you adjust to a situation, you will be happy
whatever the circumstances.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Die to Live}