Content is a word unknown to life; it is also a word unknown to man.

Content is a word unknown to life; it is also a word unknown to man.

There's a proud modesty in merit; averse from asking, and resolved to pay ten times the gifts it asks.

There's a proud modesty in merit; averse from asking, and resolved to pay ten times the gifts it asks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The favor of princes does not preclude the existence of merit,
and yet does not prove that it exists.
read more

The favor of princes does not preclude the existence of merit,
and yet does not prove that it exists.
[Fr., La faveur des princes n'exclut pas le merite, et ne le
suppose pas aussi.]

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.

The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire read more

The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.