Finding Contentment in Appreciation – Selections from “Morals” by Plutarch (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

We now present readings from “Morals” by Plutarch (vegetarian), through which his philosophy teaches, that contentment arises from appreciating what we have rather than envying what we lack. By focusing on our blessings, we can better navigate life’s challenges.

ON CONTENTEDNESS OF MIND

“[…] It also makes for contentedness, when things happen against our wish, not to overlook our many advantages and comforts, but by looking at both good and bad to feel that the good preponderate. When our eyes are dazzled with things too bright we turn them away, and ease them by looking at flowers or grass, while we keep the eyes of our mind strained on disagreeable things, and force them to dwell on bitter ideas, well-nigh tearing them away by force from the consideration of pleasanter things. And yet one might apply here, not unaptly, what was said to the man of curiosity, ‘Malignant fellow, why are you so keen to mark Thy neighbor’s fault, and see not thine own?’ Why on earth, my good sir, do you confine your view to your troubles, making them so vivid and acute, while you do not let your mind dwell at all on your present comforts? […]

So we should not overlook, but take account of everyday blessings, and rejoice that we live, and are well, and see the Sun, and that no war or sedition plagues our country, but that the earth is open to cultivation, the sea secure to mariners, and that we can speak or be silent, lead a busy or an idle life, as we choose. […]

Nor ought we to amass things we regard as valuable, and always be on the tremble and afraid of losing them as valuable things, and yet, when we have them, ignore them and think little of them; but we ought to use them for our pleasure and enjoyment, that we may bear their loss, if that should happen, with more equanimity. […]

And yet it makes much for contentedness of mind to look for the most part at home and to our own condition, or if not, to look at the case of people worse off than ourselves, and not, as most people do, to compare ourselves with those who are better off. […]”