Friday, January 30, 2009

An Inspirational Quote from J.C. Loudon, 1838

J. C. Loudon wrote The Suburban Garden and Villa Companion, published in 1838. He published  The Suburban Horticulturalist in 1842. Suburbia has been around a BIT longer than petroleum-powered transport, I guess. Anyway, here's something good:
"All, in the way of house accomodation, that is essential to the enjoyment of life, may be obtained in a cottage of three or four rooms, as well as a palace... The objects of both of the possessors are the same: health, which is the result of temperance and exercise; enjoyment, which is the possession of something we can call our own, and on which we can set our heart and affections; and the respect of society, which is the result of their favorable opinion of our sentiments and moral conduct. No man in this world, however high may be his rank, great his wealth, powerful his genius, or extensive his acquirements, can ever attain more then health, enjoyment, and respect."

So enjoy your cottage in contentment, knowing that no mansion could give you more pleasure than what you can experience now, if you look for your blessings.

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