This quote suggests that a person’s happiness or misery is not just determined by their circumstances or their ‘fortune’, but equally by their attitude, mood, or ‘temper’. This means that two people could experience the same event, but respond in very different ways depending on their temperaments. One might see it as a disaster, while the other might see it as an opportunity.

The quote is stressing the importance of personal perspective and emotional resilience in determining our happiness. It’s not about what happens to us, but rather how we react to what happens to us. This is an empowering concept, as it implies that we have control over our own happiness, irrespective of external circumstances.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see that despite the widespread belief that happiness is tied to material wealth, success or achievement, true happiness is more related to our inner state of mind. This could be why some people who seem to ‘have it all’ are still unhappy, while others who have faced great adversity are able to find joy and contentment.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that cultivating a positive mindset and emotional resilience should be a priority. This could involve practices such as mindfulness, gratitude, or cognitive-behavioral techniques to challenge negative thinking patterns. It also suggests that we should not be overly reliant on external circumstances for our happiness, but should instead seek to find happiness within ourselves.

In conclusion, this quote reminds us that happiness is not just about what happens to us, but how we respond to it. It encourages us to take control of our own happiness by managing our mindset and emotional responses, rather than being overly dependent on external circumstances.