Our Ideal Citizen—I picture him first and foremost as…
““Our Ideal Citizen—I picture him first and foremost as being busier than a bird-dog, not wasting a lot of good time in day-dreaming or going to sassiety teas or kicking about things that are none of his business, but putting the zip into some store or profession or art. At night he lights up a good cigar, and climbs into the little old 'bus, and maybe cusses the carburetor, and shoots out home. He mows the lawn, or sneaks in some practice putting, and then he's ready for dinner. After dinner he tells the kiddies a story, or takes the family to the movies, or plays a few fists of bridge, or reads the evening paper, and a chapter or two of some good lively Western novel if he has a taste for literature, and maybe the folks next-door drop in and they sit and visit about their friends and the topics of the day. Then he goes happily to bed, his conscience clear, having contributed his mite to the prosperity of the city and to his own bank-account.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A diligent, balanced life of work, family, and modest pleasures builds personal and civic prosperity
In simple terms: Busy, productive, balanced life benefits self and community
Key Takeaway
Cultivate steady, varied daily habits
Themes
responsibility
balance
community
productivity
Mood
content
motivmotiv
Type
inspirational
practical
When to use this quote
- career
- family evenings
- hobbies
- reading
- social visits
Key Concepts
work ethic
civic duty
family engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance productivity with leisure?
- What small habits reinforce your sense of contribution?
A Different Perspective
May overlook rest or creative spontaneity