The noblest mind the best contentment has
Interpretation
A wise and noble mind finds happiness within itself rather than in external circumstances.
In this quote, Spenser suggests that true contentment and happiness come from within a person, particularly from having a noble and thoughtful mindset. A person who cultivates a noble mind is able to find peace and satisfaction devoid of the distractions and chaos that often come from the outside world, thus achieving a level of contentment that transcends material or superficial achievements.
In practice
In a speech about mental well-being, one could say, 'As Edmund Spenser wisely noted, The noblest mind the best contentment has.'
But O the exceeding grace_x000D_ Of highest God, that loves his creatures so,_x000D_ And all his works with mercy doth embrace,_x000D_ That blessed angels, he sends to and fro,_x000D_ To serve to wicked man, to serve his wicked foe.
What though the sea with waves continuall Doe eate the earth, it is no more at all ; Ne is the earth the lesse, or loseth ought : For whatsoever from one place doth fall Is with the tyde unto another brought : For there is nothing lost, that may be found if sought.
No daintie flowre or herbe that growes on grownd, No arborett with painted blossoms drest And smelling sweete, but there it might be fownd To bud out faire, and throwe her sweete smels al arownd.
I hate the day, because it lendeth light_x000D_ _x000D_ To see all things, but not my love to see.
For of the soule the bodie forme doth take; _x000D_ For the soule is forme, and doth the bodie make.
I was promised on a time - to have reason for my rhyme; From that time unto this season, I received nor rhyme nor reason.
It will not always be summer: build barns.
Little by little he came to recognize the difference between the spirits that agitated him, one from the enemy and one from God.
The habits of a vigorous mind are born in contending with difficulties.
The great enemy of knowledge is not error, but inertness. All that we want is discussion; and then we are sure to do well, no matter what our blunders may be. One error conflicts with another, each destroys its opponent, and truth is evolved.
Manners are like zero in arithmetic. They may not be much in themselves, but they are capable of adding a great deal of value to everything else.
In fact, looking back, it seems to me that I was clueless until I was about 50-years-old.
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