In an unnamed Eastern city, a revered sage is approached by a despondent stranger seeking happiness. The stranger, Abdallah, is wealthy, educated, and well-traveled, yet he remains deeply unhappy despite his efforts to find joy through art, learning, and physical pleasures. The sage advises him to immerse himself in the fine arts and return in a year. Abdallah follows this advice but returns even more miserable, expressing a desire to end his life. The sage, after contemplation, suggests Abdallah spend his remaining time helping others, believing that through selflessness, he might find purpose. Abdallah accepts this challenge, resigning himself to a year of service. When he returns, he is transformed: no longer thin and despondent, he radiates joy and kindness. He reveals that in dedicating himself to the happiness of others, he has discovered his own joy and the value of life. The sage blesses Abdallah, affirming that he has found the true path to happiness through altruism and self-forgetfulness. Abdallah's journey illustrates the profound impact of serving others on personal fulfillment and the essence of true happiness.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1884 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Moral Tale, Literary Fiction