contentedness quotes

Sir Henry Wotton†was also a most dear lover, and a frequent practiser of the art of angling; of which he would say,'it was anemployment forhisidletime†a rest to his mind, a cheerer of his spirits, a diverter of sadness, a calmer of unquiet thoughts, a moderator of passions, a procurer of contentedness; and that it begat habits of peace and patience in those that professed and practised it.'

- Izaak Walton
  The Compleat Angler, pt.1, ch.1.