The principal cause of discontent is egotism, or selfishness, which sets the self up as a primary plant around which everyone else must revolve. The second cause of discontent is envy, which makes us regard the possessions and talents of others as if they were stolen from us. The third cause is covetousness, or an inordinate desire to have more, to compensate for the emptiness of our hearts. The fourth cause of discontent is jealousy, sometimes occasioned by melancholia and sadness and at other times by hatred of those who have what we wish for ourselves.