Though it is folly to suppose that happiness is a matter of volition, and that we can make ourselves content and cheerful whenever we choose - a theory that many poor hypochondriacs are taunted with till they are nigh driven mad - yet, on the other hand, no sane mind is ever left without the power of self-discipline and self-control in a measure, which measure increases in proportion as it is exercised.
"A Woman's Thoughts About Women" by Dinah Maria Murlock Craik, (Ch. 10), 1858.
![Though it is folly to suppose that happiness is a matter of volition, and that we can make ourselves content and cheerful whenever we choose - a theory that many poor hypochondriacs are taunted with till they are nigh](http://cdn.myquotes.org/images/dinah-maria-murlock-craik/though-it-is-folly-to-suppose-that-happiness-is-a-matter-of-volition-and-that-we-can-make-ourselves-content.jpg)