The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-07
Two Famous Men on Happiness.

In an interview with Henry 81 Stanley. the
great African explorer, during his recent visit
TO this country. | said to him. Mr. Stanley,
you have achieved much fame. and have re-
ceived many of its awards, and doubtless you
have enjoyed many moments Of happiness in
consequence of tho favOrs and honors be-
slowed upon you in acknowledgment of your
heroism and successful services and on other
occasions also. Can you now tell me what or
when was the very happiest hour of your life?
Was it when you found Livingstone. or was
1t when you had triumphantly emerged from
the dark continent. and had returned TO civil
lization and your friends having solved
problems which had vexed the world for more
than twenty centuries mysteries older than
Christianity itself, or was it at your marriage,
or was the supreme moment OF Joy reached on
another OCCASION"
Ihurriedly recited TO Mr.. Stanley the fact
that Napoleon the Great, in the zenith Of his
tame-after he had had the opportunity of
drinking at every cup Of earthly biiss-that
he the most famous soldier the world has pro-
duced was asked the very same question
was propounding to the most famous traveller
and discoverer of all ages.
Mr.. Stanley dropped his head in the atti-
tude of meditation and anxiety and in appa-
rent interest at my utterances; and after a
moments reflection he said: We'll, now.
that is a matter to which had never given
any serious thought. Nor do | remember the
Napoleon incident b which you refer. Yes,
Twas happy at my marriage, very happy in
deed But the fact IL. have always expert
enced the very highest pleasures when had
the consciousness Of having best discharged
my duty"
Mr. Stanleys "duty"-or his idea Of duty
as he expressed il in another connection. has
been always embraced in his sense Of resp0n-
sibilty TO and in his work for commerce and
civilization and Christianity. His reply TO my
question is the noble answer of a noble man.
Here is briefly, what Napoleon said in re-
Spouse 10 the question what or when had
been the very happiest moment of his lifo
It was not when he had attained to the con-
sulship. nor was it when he was proclaimed
Emperor, and crowned with the most brilliant
and imposing ceremonies and the most graft
flying honors ever bestowed upon sovereign
Nor was it at either Of his marriages nor at
tho birth of his son, the King of Rome, the
long-desired heir to his throne and the sup
posed perpetuation OF his dynasty. II was
earlier in his life than any Of these
events had occurred lt was when
at the age of twenty-five. M the vic
tori0us commander of the army IN Italy. he
heard the shout of JOY from the people IN
praise and honor Of him their liberatOr.
Napoleons highest happiness was IN tho
10y he experienced in bringing happiness to
Others-and before the gall of selhshness had
embttered his future career of greatness
And Stanley's greatest happiness Is meas
ured in his conceptions Of his duty 70 his fell
low man and 10 Christianity.
Tho principle underlying the words of these
two famous men Ii the same thing essentially,
even il there is difference IN the expression
of the idea-the crystalllzation Of unselfsh-
ness1LDetroit Free Press.