The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

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.

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.

Contentment is, after all, simply refined indolence.

Contentment is, after all, simply refined indolence.

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.

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.

There are two kinds of discontent in this world. The discontent that works, and the discontent that wrings its hands. read more

There are two kinds of discontent in this world. The discontent that works, and the discontent that wrings its hands. The first gets what it wants. The second loses what it has. There's no cure for the first, but success and there's no cure at all for the second.

Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy.

Most people would rather be certain they're miserable, than risk being happy.

One should either be sad or joyful. Contentment is a warm sty for eaters and sleepers.

One should either be sad or joyful. Contentment is a warm sty for eaters and sleepers.