Response to "The Lantern Bearers"

In "The Lantern Bearers",  Robert Louis Stevenson turns the lantern that he used to carry under his overcoat into a metaphor about happiness as well as what people can do. He talks about how while some people let their lanterns shine and enjoy what they do with their lives, others keep it hidden and choose not to experience joy. Stevenson says on page 218 "we see them on the street, and we can count their buttons; but heaven knows in what they pride themselves! Heaven knows were they have set their treasure!" and on page 220 "for to miss the joy is to miss all" and "To one who has not the secret of the lanterns, the scene upon the links is meaningless." I really like what Stevenson says here. These quotes show that if you keep your lantern covered up, you miss out on the joy in life.  So, Stevenson is saying here that you should not be ashamed of what makes you happy, but rather should let your lantern shine so everyone can see your happiness! At least, that is what I got out of this.