Tag: contentment, happiness

Henry MacKenzie

Indeed, I have observed one ingredient, somewhat necessary in a man’s composition towards happiness, which people of feeling would do well to acquire; a certain respect for the follies of mankind: for there are so many fools whom the opinion of the world entitles to regard, whom accident has placed in heights of which they are unworthy, that he who cannot restrain his contempt or indignation at the sight will be too often quarrelling with the disposal of things to relish that share which is allotted to himself. 

Daphne du Maurier

…are you happy?””I am content.””What is the difference?””Between happiness and contentment? Ah, there you have me. It is not easy to put into words. Contentment is a state of mind and body when the two work in harmony, and there is no friction. The mind is at peace, and the body also. The two are sufficient to themselves. Happiness is elusive–coming perhaps once in a life-time–and approaching ecstasy.””Not a continuous thing, like contentment?””No, not a continuous thing. But there are, after all, degrees of happiness.