simplicity

in eleven days i take possession of a little house. my resolution for 2007 is:

simplify the unecessay and make room for the necessary

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packed away in my treasure box is a little journal bound in red cordurouy. in it i recorded on that day 25 years ago that i read thoreau for the first time. here's a taste of what i read:

"Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind. With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have even lived a more simple and meagre life than the poor."

"We are happy in proportion to the things we can do without."

"Our life is frittered away by detail... Simplify, simplify, simplify! ... Simplicity of life and elevation of purpose."

more quotes on simplicity


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"Simple Gifts" was written by Elder Joseph while he was at the Shaker community in Alfred, Maine in 1848. These are the lyrics to his one verse song:

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come round right.

[source:wikipedia]