"The world is full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings"

Robert Louis Stevenson’s words evoke a sense of wonder and gratitude for the richness of life. Suggesting the world is “full of a number of things,” Stevenson calls attention to the extraordinary diversity of experiences, objects, and moments surrounding us. Everyday existence teems with beauty, curiosity, and delight, found in nature, human relationships, art, and simple pleasures. By noting that all these things fill the world, he subtly encourages paying attention, advocating for open eyes and hearts to fully appreciate what already exists.

The second part, “I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings,” draws a powerful contrast. Kings symbolize ultimate wealth and privilege, traditionally possessing everything they desire. Yet, Stevenson’s assertion that we, ordinary people, children, anyone, ought to feel equally happy reveals an underlying truth: happiness is less about material possessions and more about perspective and gratitude. The abundance present in the world is accessible to all, not just those with status or riches. Joy springs from noticing and cherishing what’s available, whether grand or ordinary, a sunrise, a friend’s laughter, the shade of a tree, the hum of daily life.

There’s also an invitation to reconsider our definitions of kingdom and royalty. If happiness is tied to awareness and appreciation, then anyone who cultivates these qualities becomes “royal” in their own right, reaping life’s true treasures. Stevenson’s lines offer a gentle, optimistic philosophy, encouraging readers, especially children, for whom they were first written, to nurture a sense of enchantment and thankfulness. Rather than longing for more, he suggests, genuine fulfillment arises from recognizing life’s plenitude. The world’s wonders, both big and small, are there to be discovered, enjoyed, and celebrated, offering each person the potential for a happiness that rivals even that of kings.