Sunbonnet Soliloquy

By Jewell Ellen Smith

The Goatskin Purse

One thing leads to another.

In New Orleans, last summer, I bought for $1.47 a small coin purse -- very small, about big enough to hold three dimes, a quarter, and a nickel or two. The tag on it boasted that it was of genuine goatskin, Cordovan leather. It is a fine little bag, as soft as silk.

Cordovan leather? Never heard of it. In trying to find out what Cordovan leather is, I began reading about Cordoba, Spain and how in ancient times it was a city famous for the high quality of its goatskin leather. (Now, Cordovan leather is frequently split horsehide rather than goatskin.)

Old Cordoba was also famous for one of its legendary rulers, the great Caliph ABD-ER-RAHMAN, who was in power from 912 to 961. Historians declare that “he must be counted among he ablest rulers of history.”

What intrigues me about ABD-ER-RAHMAN is not how he managed the affairs of state, built up the best army in Europe, and maintained a superb navy. Rather, it is what he had to say about being happy. Poor guy. ABD-ER-RAHMAN found little happiness.

Here is his own account of his situation:

“I have reigned above fifty years in victory or peace, beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honor, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity.

“In this situation, I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot; they amount to fourteen. O man, place not thy confidence in this present world!”

My word! Could it be that the caliph did not know what “pure and genuine happiness” is?

Do we know?

What is happiness?

Here is a mixture of thoughts on the subject, taken from the writings of people once well known:

“To be happy you must forget yourself. Learn benevolence.” (English novelist Bulwer)

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.” (James Oppenheim, American Author)

“The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.” (Robert Louis Stevenson)

“Few things are needful to make the wise man happy, but nothing satisfies the fool; and this is the reason why so many of mankind are miserable.” (Rochefoucauld, French courier and moralist of the 17th Century)

“No man is happy who does not think himself so.” (Marcus Antonius, Roman emperor and philosopher of the 1St Century)

What more should we say about happiness?

This is what I think about it: It is impossible to hold on to happiness unless we are willing to give it away.

What are your thoughts on the subject? After all, your opinion is as important as that of a caliph, a novelist, a courtier, or any other person. I challenge you to put your ideas on paper.

No? Not right now?

You don’t have time?

Well at least you will agree that because one thing does lead to another, such an insignificant item as a small purse made from the hide of a goat can lead one to consider one of the most important things in life: “pure and genuine happiness.”

Published October 1988. Click your browser’s “Back” button to return.