The people who are to be happy fix their attention on the convenience of things, the pleasant parts of conversation, the well-prepared dishes, the goodness of the wine, and the fine weather. They enjoy all the cheerful things.
1 Those who are to be unhappy think and speak only of the contrary things.
Therefore, they are continually discontented.
2 By their remarks, they sour the pleasures of society, offend many people, and make themselves disagreeable everywhere. 3 If this turn of mind was founded in nature, such unhappy persons would be the more to be pitied. 4 The tendency to criticize and be disgusted is perhaps taken up originally by imitation. 5 It grows into a habit, unknown to its possessors.
The habit may be strong, but it may be cured when those who have it are convinced of its bad effects on their interests and tastes.
6 I hope this little warning may be of service to them, and help them change this habit.