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

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

If you can look back on your life with contentment, you have one of man's most precious gifts -- a read more

If you can look back on your life with contentment, you have one of man's most precious gifts -- a selective memory.

Try to be like the turtle -- at ease in your own shell.

Try to be like the turtle -- at ease in your own shell.

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.

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.

The contented man can be happy with what appears to be useless.

The contented man can be happy with what appears to be useless.

I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.

I have no money, no resources, no hopes. I am the happiest man alive.

He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.

He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.

We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking for victory.

We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking for victory.