Recommended reading
Sources that steady duty and contentment. Essentials first; further reading is secondary.
Free digital editions are marked. Preferred print editions are marked.
Essential works
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The Abolition of Man Print
Objective moral order (the “Tao”) undergirding true duty. Still under copyright — buy a lawful edition; free online scans are not a public-domain license.
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Our Moral Nature Free
Conscience as a natural, God-given moral faculty.
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The Consolation of Philosophy Free
Duty and contentment under Providence amid fortune’s turns.
Classical antiquity
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Xenophon’s Socratic Works Free
Practical Socrates — duty in conduct, virtue over display.
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On Moral Duties (De Officiis) Free
Duty and the good life; virtue as the ground of contentment.
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What is yours to govern; quiet strength under necessity.
Early modern
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The Art of Divine Contentment Free
Contentment as fruit of trust in Providence.
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The Art of Divine Contentment (Modern English) Print
Same work in contemporary language.
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The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment Free
Contentment as learned habit under God’s hand.
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Lectures on Moral Philosophy Free
Duty-based moral frame of the American founding generation.
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Generous spirit and moral courage joined to duty.
Further reading
Useful companions. Secondary to the essentials above.