--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He that would be content with a mean…" description: "\"He that would be content with a mean condition must not cast his eye upon one that is in a far better estate than himself, but let him look upon him th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6b/anne-bradstreet-12672_bears_he-that-would-be-content-with-a-mean-con_1101599.jpg" --- # He that would be content with a mean condition must not… ![“He that would be content with a mean condition must not cast his eye upon one that is in a far better estate than himself, but let him look upon him that is lower than he is, and, if he see that such a one bears poverty comfortably, it will help to quiet him.” quote by Anne Bradstreet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6b/anne-bradstreet-12672_bears_he-that-would-be-content-with-a-mean-con_1101599.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6b/anne-bradstreet-12672_bears_he-that-would-be-content-with-a-mean-con_1101599.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6b/anne-bradstreet-12672_bears_he-that-would-be-content-with-a-mean-con_1101599.jpg) > “He that would be content with a mean condition must not cast his eye upon one that is in a far better estate than himself, but let him look upon him that is lower than he is, and, if he see that such a one bears poverty comfortably, it will help to quiet him.” [Anne Bradstreet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-bradstreet/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Contentment comes from comparing oneself to those less fortunate rather than the more privileged. **In simple terms:** Find peace by seeing others less fortunate. Key Takeaway Compare to those below, not above. Themes contentment humility social comparison Mood reflective thoughtful Type ethical philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal finance - mental health - charity work - community building Key Concepts Stoicism relative wealth psychology of envy Questions to Reflect On - How does focusing on others' poverty affect your self-worth? - Is it healthy to measure success by others' lack? A Different Perspective May ignore systemic inequality and personal ambition. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bears](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bears/) [Estates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/estates/) [Poverty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poverty/) ## Related quotes > [“Could I be brave enough to look lower? I could. His black tee shirt licked his hard body and I could only guess what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-loiske/could-i-be-brave-enough-to-look-lower-i-could-his-black-tee-shirt/) [Jennifer Loiske](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-loiske/) > [A feeble man can see the farms that are fenced and tilled, the houses that are built. 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