When I first read this line by England 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 boredom, and without the blind spots caused by fear.
Active happiness not mere 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.