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.

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.

It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with what we are.

It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with what we are.

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.

Patience is the key to contentment.

Patience is the key to contentment.

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.

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.

Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life.

Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life.