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Surely it's better to live in the country, to live on a…

“Surely it's better to live in the country, to live on a prairie by a drawing of rivers, in Iowa or Illinois or Indiana, say, than in any city, in any stinking fog of human beings, in any blooming orchard of machines. It ought to be.” quote by William H. Gass
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“Surely it's better to live in the country, to live on a prairie by a drawing of rivers, in Iowa or Illinois or Indiana, say, than in any city, in any stinking fog of human beings, in any blooming orchard of machines. It ought to be.”

William H. Gass

About This Quote

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

Rural life offers purity and freedom compared to the oppressive, artificial nature of city existence.

In simple terms: Country life feels freer than city life.

Key Takeaway

Seek simplicity and natural environments.

Themes

nature freedom urban vs rural purity

Mood

nostalgic contemplative

Type

reflective observational

When to use this quote

  • relocation decisions
  • travel planning
  • urban planning
  • mental health retreats

Key Concepts

environmental philosophy social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What draws you to rural or urban settings?
  • How can city life become less oppressive?
A Different Perspective

Cities also provide opportunities and cultural richness.

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