15 -- Happiness is What You Make of It: The Man in the Small Cottage with the Big Screen

Happiness is often misunderstood. Many people believe it comes from having a large house, luxury cars, or expensive possessions. Yet, sometimes joy is found in the simplest ways, in the smallest things, or in what truly matters to the individual. A perfect example is the story of a man living in a tiny, humble cottage, yet feeling immense happiness because of one thing: his huge television screen.

This man’s cottage is modest, perhaps even cramped. By many standards, it would not be considered comfortable or impressive. But inside, he is surrounded by what brings him true pleasure—a massive, ultra-bright screen that could probably double as a movie theater for the entire village. He spends hours watching his favorite shows and movies, and he is completely content. To him, the size of the screen matters far more than the size of the cottage. He doesn’t worry about the small walls, the creaky floorboards, or the leaky roof. In fact, he jokingly says that if the roof leaks, it’s just part of the “natural ambiance” while watching his screen.

This story teaches an important lesson: happiness is not about having everything, but about loving what you have. The man could have felt sad about his small cottage or envied those with mansions. But instead, he chose a different perspective. He realized that the things that truly matter to him—the joy, the entertainment, the laughter—are already within his reach. By focusing on what brings satisfaction, rather than what is missing, he creates a life filled with contentment.

And there’s a little humor in the lesson too: while neighbors may boast about their big houses or fancy cars, our man can boast about having the “best cinematic experience in town” without ever leaving his cottage. He has perfected the art of prioritizing joy over grandeur, and in doing so, he probably saves a fortune on heating bills too—after all, why heat a mansion when you can cozy up in a small cottage and enjoy a giant screen?

This story also reflects a deeper truth: life is subjective. What makes one person happy may seem trivial to another. True joy comes from knowing yourself, understanding what you love, and fully appreciating it—without being distracted by societal expectations or comparisons.

In the end, the man in the small cottage reminds us that happiness is a matter of perspective. A large screen in a tiny cottage may seem absurd to some, but for him, it is the source of laughter, excitement, and joy. And in that joy, he has everything he needs. Sometimes, happiness is not about living like everyone else—it’s about living like yourself… even if “yourself” comes with a huge TV and a very small kitchen.