The fountain of content must spring up in the mind, and he who hath so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts and multiply the grief he proposes to remove.

Summary

This quote suggests that true contentment comes from within, originating from one's own mindset and perspective. It implies that those who lack an understanding of human nature and attempt to find happiness in external changes will only encounter disappointment and further amplify their own problems. Instead, the quote urges individuals to focus on cultivating a positive disposition, implying that by changing oneself instead of external circumstances, one can avoid wasting their life on futile endeavors and prevent the escalation of their own sorrows.