Spirit of contentment

From Janet Leythorne

Sir, — Children so neglected that they do not even know their own name at school age; the flaunting of unnecessary luxury consumer goods; the evasion of paying tax by many of the wealthiest; and im­position of hardship by a Cabinet consisting mainly of multi-millionaires — these are indeed terrible things.

I found much good discussion of some of these issues in your com­ments and articles about the riots, but nowhere did I find the sugges­tion that, when we do have reason­able living conditions, we attain peace by not seeking more than we need, but by being content. Nor did I find any praise of the Christian virtue of chosen poverty, or even a suggestion that it is not shameful to be poor.

Besides campaigning for a decent standard of living for all — poverty and contentment cannot be enjoyed with an empty belly — should we not also make the point that, once our bodily needs are satisfied, we need to address our spiritual ones?

I am, I suppose, classed as one of the poorest of the poor, as I am eligible for Pension Credit Guaran­tee in addition to my old-age pen­sion; but never do I lack anything.

JANET LEYTHORNE
Alexanders, The Cliff
Arbor Lane, Pakefield NR33 7BQ