Contentment is not an innate virtue. It is acquired through great resolution and diligence in conquering unruly desires; hence it is an art which few study. Because there are millions of discontented souls in the world today, it might be helpful for them to analyze the four main causes of discontent and to suggest means to contentment.
The principal cause of discontent is egotism, or selfishness, which sets the self up as a primary planet around which everyone else must revolve. The second cause of discontent is envy, which makes us regard the possessions and talents of others as if they were stolen from us. The third cause is covetousness, or an inordinate desire to have more, in order to compensate for the emptiness of our heart. The fourth cause of discontent is jealousy, which is sometimes occasioned through melancholia and sadness and at other times by a hatred of those who have what we wish for ourselves.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The principal cause of discontent is egotism, or selfishness, which sets the self up as a primary planet around which everyone else must revolve. The second cause of discontent is envy, which makes us regard the possessions and talents of others as if they were stolen from us. The third cause is covetousness, or an inordinate desire to have more, in order to compensate for the emptiness of our heart. The fourth cause of discontent is jealousy, which is sometimes occasioned through melancholia and sadness and at other times by a hatred of those who have what we wish for ourselves.
TO BE CONTINUED.
