Air Quote by Anonymous
“Comforts that were rare among our forefathers are now multiplied in factories and handed out wholesale; and indeed, nobody nowadays, so long as he is content to go without air, space, quiet, decency and good manners, need be without anything whatever that he wants; or at least a reasonably cheap imitation of it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Unknown, 19th century essay collection
Modern comforts are mass‑produced, making basic needs cheap and abundant, yet true contentment still requires intangible qualities.
In simple terms: We have cheap comforts, but still need deeper values.
Key Takeaway
Seek balance between material ease and personal virtue.
Themes
consumerism
contentment
values
Mood
thoughtful
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
observational
reflective
When to use this quote
- urban life
- digital age
- economic disparity
- personal development
Key Concepts
materialism
simplicity
ethical living
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑material things are essential for happiness?
- How can we value simplicity in a consumer culture?
A Different Perspective
Cheap goods may mask deeper societal neglect.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)