"Le monde est tellement plein de nombreuses choses, je suis sûr que nous devrions tous être aussi heureux que des rois"

The core idea here is delightfully simple: our world is bursting with wonderful things, and just by appreciating them, we should all feel as joyful as royalty. It speaks to the abundance around us and suggests that happiness comes from recognizing and enjoying what we have.

This sentiment was penned by Robert Louis Stevenson, a Scottish author, in his poem "Happy Thought" from the 19th century. Stevenson lived during a time when industrialization was transforming the world, bringing both new opportunities and challenges. Despite the changes and hardships of his era, he was pointing out that the sheer variety and richness of life's offerings could be a source of immense joy.

Picture yourself in the middle of a bustling farmers' market on a Saturday morning. The air is filled with the scent of fresh bread, ripe peaches, and blooming flowers. Everywhere you look, there are vibrant colors and friendly faces. This scene is a perfect example of Stevenson's idea in action. The market is brimming with things to see, smell, taste, and experience. If you take a moment to soak it all in, it’s hard not to feel a surge of happiness. This isn't about having wealth or luxury—it's about finding joy in everyday abundance.

So, how do we apply this wisdom in our daily lives? Start by being more mindful. Take a few minutes each day to notice the little things: the warmth of sunlight on your face, the sound of a bird singing, the comfort of a good book. Keep a gratitude journal where you jot down simple pleasures. When you focus on what’s good around you, it’s easier to feel content and joyful.

Imagine a young woman named Lily. She’s got a demanding job, bills to pay, and sometimes life feels overwhelming. But Lily decides to take Stevenson's idea to heart. Every evening, she makes a list of three things that made her smile that day. Some days, it’s big stuff—like a promotion at work. Other days, it’s small—like finding a new song she loves or enjoying a perfect cup of coffee. Over time, Lily finds that this simple practice shifts her perspective. She begins to see more joy and beauty in her daily routine, and she feels happier overall.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple pleasures that surround us. But if we take a moment to appreciate them, we can find that happiness is more accessible than we might think. So next time you're feeling down, try to look around and find those 'number of things' that can lift your spirits. The world is full of them, just waiting to be noticed.