The narrator, Zé Fernandes, aims to demonstrate to the reader the thesis that rural life is superior to urban life. To prove it, he recounts the journey of his friend, Jacinto. An heir to great wealth accumulated through the exploitation of agricultural properties in Portugal, Jacinto was born in Paris and adored the city. For him, the French capital was the perfect example of civilization, the only place where a person could be truly happy. He even created a formula, showing that “Supreme Knowledge” (technology and erudition) multiplied by “Supreme Power” (human capacity) led to “Supreme Happiness”.