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.

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.

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of read more

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.

If necessity is the mother of invention, discontent is the father of progress.

If necessity is the mother of invention, discontent is the father of progress.

Who is not satisfied with himself will grow; who is not sure of his own correctness will learn many things.

Who is not satisfied with himself will grow; who is not sure of his own correctness will learn many things.

I used to think I had ambition . . . but now I'm not so sure. It may have been read more

I used to think I had ambition . . . but now I'm not so sure. It may have been only discontent. They're easily confused.

Content makes poor men rich; Discontent makes rich men poor.

Content makes poor men rich; Discontent makes rich men poor.

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.

Contentment is, after all, simply refined indolence.

Contentment is, after all, simply refined indolence.