Character and Conduct – 12 November – Discontent

HE or she that is idle, be they of what condition they will, never so rich, so well allied, fortunate, happy – let them have all things in abundance and felicity that heart can wish and desire, – all contentment – so long as he, or she, or they are idle, they shall never be pleased, never well in mind or body, but weary still, sickly still, vexed still, loathing still, weeping, sighing, grieving, suspecting, offended with the world, with every object, wishing themselves gone or dead, or else carried away with some foolish phantasy or other.

BURTON

WE are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves.   The consciousness of wrong-doing makes us irritable, and our heart in its cunning quarrels with what is outside it, in order that it may deafen the clamour within.

Amiel’s Journal

LOOK within.   Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig.

MARCUS AURELIUS

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These quotes are from ‘Character and Conduct’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1905 as a follow up to her volume of Daily Readings for members of the Being and Doing Guild who asked for an additional volume

In her preface Whishaw writes:

‘This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it.’

It is my hope in publishing them here readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.