To build enormous palaces, to conquer or to mimic nature…
“To build enormous palaces, to conquer or to mimic nature, to ransack the world in order to gratify the passions of a man, is not thought of, but to add a few yards of land to your field, to plant an orchard, or enlarge a dwelling, to always be making life more comfortable and convenient, to avoid trouble, and to satisfy the smallest wants without effort and almost without cost. These are small objects, but the soul clings to them; it dwells upon them closely and day by day, till they at last shut out the rest of the world and sometimes intervene between itself and heaven.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People often seek comfort and convenience, letting small comforts dominate life and limit broader aspirations.
In simple terms: Small comforts can trap the soul.
Key Takeaway
Beware of over‑comfort.
Themes
comfort
materialism
aspiration
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- daily routines
- consumer habits
- urban planning
Key Concepts
consumerism
psychology of desire
Questions to Reflect On
- What small comforts dominate your life?
- How can you balance comfort with growth?
A Different Perspective
Comfort can lead to complacency and reduced ambition.