Final answer:
The old man indicates that the secret of happiness encompasses wisdom, self-sufficiency, and the acknowledgment of life's dualities. It also involves earning one's delight through perseverance and discipline while recognizing the importance of life's small pleasures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The secret of happiness, according to the old man, can be found within a series of literary excerpts that hint towards wisdom, self-sufficiency, and the appreciation of life's experiences. In one instance, happiness is tied to the trivial necessity of a red rose, illuminating how minor incidents can influence our joy. Another passage suggests that the secret of happiness lies in a wise heart that does not overreach in might or words. Furthermore, teaching a man to grow his own rice suggests that self-reliance and education play crucial roles in sustained happiness. Moreover, there's a notion that happiness must be earned, often as a reward for discipline and perseverance. Thus, the philosophical journey includes lessons of humility, duty, impermanence of joy, and acknowledgment of life's dualities, like beauty and truth.