John Stuart Mill Quotes

… discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man — and I will show you a failure.

I wasn't unhappy, but I was a little like: 'Is this it? Really?' I was thirsty.

Were there none who were discontented with what they have, the world would never reach anything better.

Don't be content with things as they are.

I have always believed in discontent – not grumbling, which is usually selfish and individual – but a disinclination to sit down idly, knowing things are wrong.

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.

Ambition is an uncomfortable companion many times. He creates a discontent with present surroundings and achievements; he is never satisfied but always pressing forward to better things in the future. Restless, energetic, purposeful, it is ambition that makes of the creature a real man.

I'm never content, and I don't know if that's a curse or a good thing.

Discontent is the wheel that moves people forward.

If there is dissatisfaction with the status quo, good. If there is ferment, so much the better. If there is restlessness, I am pleased. Then let there be ideas, and hard thought, and hard work. If man feels small, let man make himself bigger.

The Jews' greatest contribution to history is dissatisfaction! We're a nation born to be discontented. Whatever exists we believe can be changed for the better.

Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.

Nothing is ever enough for me. I'm always thinking what is wrong, what needs to be fixed.

Healthy discontent is the prelude to progress.

Men do change, and change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like the stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass. Change may be announced by a small ache, so that you think you're catching cold. Or you may feel a faint disgust for something you loved yesterday. It may even take the form of a hunger that peanuts won't satisfy. Isn't overeating said to be one of the strongest symptoms of discontent. And isn't discontent the lever of change?

Discontent is the first necessity of progress.

When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view.

A minority of malcontents, some justly, some unjustly, angry with the present state of things, will always exist in this world.

… all change in history, all advance, comes from the nonconformists. If there had been no trouble-makers, no Dissenters, we should still be living in caves.

To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often.

Our proper business is improvement. Let our age be the age of improvement

I never want to be satisfied.

It's a blessing and a curse, 'cause I'm never satisfied, so I continually want to outdo myself. But still, I'm never happy.

I'm constantly trying to figure out my life and what's next. I'm never satisfied with what I have.

That's the thing with me: I'm never satisfied.