It is right to be contented with what we have, never with what we are.

It is right to be contented with what we have, never with what we are.

It is not our circumstances that create our discontent or contentment. It is us.

It is not our circumstances that create our discontent or contentment. It is us.

Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.

Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.

What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others.

What makes us discontented with our condition is the absurdly exaggerated idea we have of the happiness of others.

Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.

Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.

Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.

Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.

Whenever my condition was improved, instead of its increasing my contentment, it only increased my desire to be free, and read more

Whenever my condition was improved, instead of its increasing my contentment, it only increased my desire to be free, and set me to thinking of plans to gain my freedom.

To the right, books; to the left, a tea-cup. In front of me, the fireplace; behind me, the post. There read more

To the right, books; to the left, a tea-cup. In front of me, the fireplace; behind me, the post. There is no greater happiness than this.

Happy the man, and happy he alone, he who can call today his own; he who, secure within, can say, read more

Happy the man, and happy he alone, he who can call today his own; he who, secure within, can say, tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.