Contempt Quote by Thomas Browne
“Content may dwell in all stations. To be low but above contempt may be high enough to be happy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Garden of Cyrus", 1658
Finding modest contentment above contempt can bring happiness despite low status.
In simple terms: Low status with dignity yields happiness.
Key Takeaway
Seek dignity over status.
Themes
humility
contentment
self-worth
Mood
thoughtful
philosophical
Type
essay
maxim
When to use this quote
- social hierarchy
- personal fulfillment
Key Concepts
philosophical content
self-acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- What does dignity mean to you?
- Can low status be fulfilling?
A Different Perspective
Contempt can still cause inner conflict.
![“I affect no contempt for the high eminence he [Senator Stephen Douglas] has reached. So reached, that the oppressed of my species,might have shared with me in the elevation, I would rather stand on that eminence, than wear the richest crown that ever pressed a monarch's brow.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d1/abraham-lincoln-88_ambition_i-affect-no-contempt-for-the-high-eminen_2296058.jpg)
![“Every person of any rank in the left, from voter on up to cabinet member to elected official in the Democrat Party, has contempt. We [Republicans] are the number one enemy. And they will put aside whatever differences they have.” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08a/rush-limbaugh-28_cabinets_every-person-of-any-rank-in-the-left-fro_29974.jpg){kind=icon}