Historical Article
1887

If You Would Be Happy
From Good Housekeeping, October 15, 1887
 
Beware of the man of two faces.

Persevere against discouragement.

Take a cheerful view of everything...

Trust in God, and mind your own business.

Pray for a short memory as to all unkindnesses.

Do not talk of your private, personal, or family matters.

Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust.

Cultivate forbearance till your heart yields a fine crop of it.

Give your tongue more holiday than your hands or your eyes...

Act as if you expected to live a hundred years, but might die tomorrow.

Compare our manifold blessings with the trifling annoyances of each day.

Do the duty that lies nearest thee; thy second duty will already have become clearer.

Be content to do the things you can, and fret not because you cannot do everything...

Never reply in kind to a sharp or angry word; it is the second word that makes the quarrel.

Make the best of what you have, and do not make yourself miserable by wishing for what you have not.

***

If you liked this piece, you might also enjoy these:

Encouraging Quotes
If You Would Be Happy (Part II —October 29, 1887)
Maxims for the New Year (1889)

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