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.

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 happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead.

Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead.

Learn to be pleased with everything; with wealth, so far as it makes us beneficial to others; with poverty, for read more

Learn to be pleased with everything; with wealth, so far as it makes us beneficial to others; with poverty, for not having much to care for; and with obscurity, for being unenvied.

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.

They merit more praise who know how to suffer misery than those who temper themselves in contentment.

They merit more praise who know how to suffer misery than those who temper themselves in contentment.

Contentment is a pearl of great price, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires makes a read more

Contentment is a pearl of great price, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires makes a wise and a happy purchase

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.

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.