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 content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.

Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.

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.

Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy.

Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy.

Since we cannot get what we like, let us like what we can get.

Since we cannot get what we like, let us like what we can get.

The contented man can be happy with what appears to be useless.

The contented man can be happy with what appears to be useless.

Patience is the key to contentment.

Patience is the key to contentment.

Contentment is, after all, simply refined indolence.

Contentment is, after all, simply refined indolence.

Try to be like the turtle -- at ease in your own shell.

Try to be like the turtle -- at ease in your own shell.