p. 41 | How to be Unhappy

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 26, 1882

How to be Unhappy.

The following is not new, but it is none the less true. We have seen it demonstrated many times. It is a sure recipe for unhappiness. Those who desire to be happy, would do well to carefully avoid following these rules. Let them be read to be shunned:—

In the first place, if you want to make yourself miserable, be selfish. Think all the time of yourself and your things. Don't care about anything else. Have no feelings for any but yourself. Never think of enjoying the satisfaction of seeing others happy; but rather, if you see a smiling face, be jealous lest another should enjoy what you have not. Envy every one who is better off than yourself; think unkindly toward them, and speak lightly of them. Be constantly afraid lest some one should encroach on your rights; be watchful against it, and if any one comes near your things, snap at them like a mad dog. Contend earnestly for everything that is your own, though it may not be worth a pin. Never yield a point. Be very sensitive, and take everything that is said to you in playfulness in the most serious manner. Be jealous of your friends lest they should not think enough of you; and if at any time they should seem to neglect you, put the worst construction upon their conduct.

—Living Church.