Cat Pea

The author argues that success and happiness are not achieved by actively pursuing them but rather arise as unintended results of wholehearted dedication to a cause larger than oneself or surrendering to another person. By letting these outcomes unfold naturally—without obsessively thinking about them—and following one’s conscience, the writer believes both success and happiness will follow in the long run.

The poem urges the reader to find calm amid life’s clamor by cultivating quiet speech, attentive listening, and gentle relations with others; it advises modest self‑comparison, savoring achievements while staying engaged in one’s career, and exercising caution in business affairs. It calls for faith in virtue, a sense of heroism, and being oneself without feigning affection or cynicism about love. The poem also stresses taking counsel from the years, nurturing inner strength to face misfortune, and remaining gentle with oneself while recognizing the universe’s unfolding as natural. In all this, it invites peace with God and one’s soul, even amid drudgery and broken dreams, so that the world remains a beautiful place in which to be happy.