Cheerful Quote by Edward Abbey
“One can imagine a sane, healthy, cheerful human society based on no more than the principles of common sense, as validated each day by work, play, and living experience. But this remains the most utopian and fantastic of ideals.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Desert Solitaire, 1968, Edward Abbey, United States
A society based on common sense, work, play, and experience is ideal but remains utopian and fantastical.
In simple terms: Common‑sense society is ideal yet unrealistic.
Key Takeaway
Strive for practical, grounded communities.
Themes
utopianism
pragmatism
social critique
Mood
hopeful
critical
Type
social
political
When to use this quote
- Urban planning
- education reform
- community gardening
- policy making
Key Concepts
Idealism vs. realism
community building
Questions to Reflect On
- What practical steps can move society toward this ideal?
- Are there examples of such societies succeeding?
A Different Perspective
Human nature often thwarts pure common‑sense systems.
![“People who think that love, sex, marriage, work, play, life and death are serious matters are urged NOT to read this book. Buy it, yes, but don't read it. [Regarding "The Fool's Progress"]” quote by Edward Abbey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0ca/edward-abbey-254_book_people-who-think-that-love-sex-marriage_636517.jpg)
![“It's sad if people think that's (homemaking) a dull existance, [but] you can't just buy an apartment and furnish it and walk away. It's the flowers you choose, the music you play, the smile you have waiting. I want it to be gay and cheerful, a haven in this troubled world. I don't want my husband…” quote by Audrey Hepburn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/516/audrey-hepburn-1706_apartment_it-s-sad-if-people-think-that-s-homemaki_83485.jpg)
