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If I could have made the change sooner I daresay I should…

“If I could have made the change sooner I daresay I should never have given a thought to the literary delights of Paris or London; for life in the country is the only state which has always completely satisfied me, and I had never been allowed to gratify it, even for a few weeks at a time. Now I…” quote by Edith Wharton
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“If I could have made the change sooner I daresay I should never have given a thought to the literary delights of Paris or London; for life in the country is the only state which has always completely satisfied me, and I had never been allowed to gratify it, even for a few weeks at a time. Now I was to know the joys of six or seven months a year among fields and woods of my own, and the childish ecstasy of that first spring outing at Mamaroneck swept away all restlessness in the deep joy of communion with the earth.”

Edith Wharton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author finds true satisfaction in rural life, contrasting it with the superficial allure of city literary scenes.

In simple terms: Rural life brings deeper joy than city culture.

Key Takeaway

Seek nature for genuine fulfillment.

Themes

nature contentment urban vs rural

Mood

nostalgic contemplative

Type

reflective philosophical

When to use this quote

  • vacation planning
  • relocation decisions
  • well‑being retreats

Key Concepts

transcendentalism personal fulfillment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “earth communion” mean to you?
  • How can city dwellers find similar peace?
A Different Perspective

Rural life may not suit everyone’s career needs.

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