---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To be self-contented is to be vile and…"
description: "\"“To be self-contented is to be vile and ignorant, ans that to aspire is better than to be blindly and impoitently happy.”\" — Edwin Abbott Abbott"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9b1/edwin-abbott-abbott-73338_contented_to-be-self-contented-is-to-be-vile-and-i_2571449.jpg"
---

#  To be self-contented is to be vile and ignorant, ans that…

![“To be self-contented is to be vile and ignorant, ans that to aspire is better than to be blindly and impoitently happy.” quote by Edwin Abbott Abbott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9b1/edwin-abbott-abbott-73338_contented_to-be-self-contented-is-to-be-vile-and-i_2571449.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9b1/edwin-abbott-abbott-73338_contented_to-be-self-contented-is-to-be-vile-and-i_2571449.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9b1/edwin-abbott-abbott-73338_contented_to-be-self-contented-is-to-be-vile-and-i_2571449.jpg)

> ““To be self-contented is to be vile and ignorant, ans that to aspire is better than to be blindly and impoitently happy.””

Edwin Abbott Abbott

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Self‑contentment is ignorance; striving is better than blind happiness.

**In simple terms:** Being content can be foolish; aim higher.

Key Takeaway

Pursue growth over complacency.

Themes

philosophy ethics self‑improvement happiness ignorance

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical self‑help

When to use this quote

- personal development
- education
- career planning
- spiritual practice

Key Concepts

virtue ethics existentialism motivation theory

Questions to Reflect On

- Is striving always better?
- When is contentment valuable?

A Different Perspective

Blind happiness may provide peace for some.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Satire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/satire/)

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> [“God has considered contented state of chit (internal component of knowledge and vision) as happiness. Even when someone swears at you, picks your pocket;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dada-bhagwan/god-has-considered-contented-state-of-chit-internal-component-of/)

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Explore all 4 Edwin Abbott Abbott quotes

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