...happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a persons own mind—than on the externals in the world
" ...happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a persons own mind—than on the externals in the world "
From George Washington to Mary Ball Washington | Thursday, February 15, 1787
Editorial Notes
In this letter, George Washington was trying to get his elderly mother to seriously think about the practicalities of her living situation. Then 79 years old, Mary Ball Washington was frail and frequently complained that her children were not properly caring for her. George Washington, after complaining that he had no additional money to give her, suggested that she rent out both her land and slaves as a way to “ease yourself of all care and trouble—make your income certain—and your support ample.” He also wanted her to consider moving in with one of her three surviving children, noting that “This would relieve you entirely from the cares of this world, and leave your mind at ease to reflect, undisturbedly, on that which aught [sic] to come.”
George Washington to Mary Ball Washington | Thursday, February 15, 1787