# LXVII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief philosophical reflection on the rules of discontent, stating that one may not wish to take another's advantages but only to wish to be another person entirely.

## Key lines

> The game of discontent has its rules, and he who disregards them cheats. It is not permitted to you to wish to add another’s advantages or possessions to your own; you are permitted only to wish to be another.

Discontent follows a strict code: you cannot covet what others have, but you may desire to become someone else entirely.

_This aphorism defines the boundaries of permissible envy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/lxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters