That is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great.

The quote by Willa Cather, "That is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great," speaks to the idea that happiness is found in selflessness and a sense of merging with something larger than oneself. Cather, an American author known for her works such as My Ántonia and O Pioneers!, often explored themes of connection, nature, and the human experience in her writing. In this quote, she suggests that true happiness comes when we lose ourselves in a cause, relationship, or experience that feels all-encompassing and meaningful.

To be "dissolved into something complete and great" implies a state of oneness with a greater purpose or entity. It reflects a sense of surrender, where one's personal desires or ego fade into the background in favor of something more profound. This could refer to the happiness found in love, creativity, or even in moments of deep connection with nature, where one feels fully absorbed in the experience and in harmony with the world around them.

Cather’s view of happiness contrasts with the more conventional idea of happiness being tied to material success or personal achievement. Instead, she emphasizes the joy that comes from self-forgetfulness and a sense of completion in being part of something larger than oneself. In this sense, happiness is not about individual gain but about being part of a greater whole, whether through meaningful work, relationships, or a connection to something transcendent.

Ultimately, Cather’s quote reminds us that the most profound forms of happiness may arise from moments of deep immersion and connection, where we are able to surrender our individual concerns and become part of something that feels truly complete and great. This kind of happiness transcends temporary pleasures, offering a lasting sense of fulfillment and peace.