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Content may dwell in all stations. To be low but above contempt may be high enough to be happy.
Thomas Browne
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True contentment can be found in any position in life, as long as one maintains self-respect.

This quote emphasizes that happiness is not solely derived from one's social status or external circumstances, but rather from an internal sense of contentment and self-worth. It suggests that being in a humble position, yet maintaining dignity and self-appreciation, is sufficient for true happiness.

Themes

ContentmentHappinessHumilitySelf-RespectLife Stations

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about finding happiness in everyday life, you could use this quote.

More from Thomas Browne

No one should approach the temple of science with the soul of a money changer.
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Thus there are two books from whence I collect my Divinity; besides that written one of God, another of his servant Nature, that universal and public Manuscript, that lies expans'd unto the eyes of all; those that never saw him in the one, have discovered him in the other.
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To be content with death may be better than to desire it.
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Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living.
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The long habit of living indisposeth us for dying.
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Life is a pure flame and we live by an invisible sun within us.
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