It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.
Henry FieldingRead
I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.
Interpretation
Contentment is a greater treasure than wealth, and once achieved, no further desires are needed.
This quote by Henry Fielding emphasizes the idea that true happiness comes from within, specifically from a sense of contentment. Instead of seeking external riches, finding peace and satisfaction in what one has is portrayed as the ultimate blessing, suggesting that if one possesses contentment, they have everything they need for a fulfilling life.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of mental well-being, someone might say this quote to emphasize finding satisfaction in life rather than material possessions.
It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.
It is not enough that your designs, nay that your actions, are intrinsically good, you must take care they shall appear so.
Let no man be sorry he has done good, because others concerned with him have done evil! If a man has acted right, he has done well, though along; if wrong, the sanction of all mankind will not justify him.
A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
He grew weary of this condescension, and began to treat the opinions of his wife with that haughtiuess and insolence, which none but those who deserve some contempt themselves can bestow, and those only who deserve no contempt can bear.
Now in reality, the world has paid too great a compliment to critics, and has imagined them to be men of much greater profundity than they really are.
What would you be like if you were the only person in the world? If you want to be truly happy you must be that person.
All that lives is striving for happiness; yet a thousand and one pains and fears attend upon every pleasure which man seeks through the ignorance of exclusiveness.
Why should we build our happiness on the opinons of others, when we can find it in our own hearts?
A well-spent day brings happy sleep.
Celebration never need depend on outside circumstances. We need not wait for a special holiday or a formal occasion, nor a sunny and cloudless day. True celebration arises from a joy that is first experienced deep within, and spills over into an overflow of song and dance and laughter, and yes, even tears of gratitude.
If you want to be happy, set yourself a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes. Happiness is within you. It comes from doing some certain thing into which you can put all your thought and energy. If you want to be happy, get enthusiastic about something.
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