Country Quote by Gilbert K. Chesterton
“Modern nature-worship is all upside down. Trees and fields ought to be the ordinary things; terraces and temples ought to be extraordinary. I am on the side of the man who lives in the country and wants to go to London.”
About This Quote
The quote critiques modern reverence for nature, suggesting that ordinary natural elements should be commonplace while human creations remain extraordinary, and expresses a preference for rural life over urban ambition.
In simple terms: Nature should be ordinary; human works extraordinary.
Key Takeaway
Prefer simple rural life.
Themes
nature
urbanization
values
Mood
contemplative
critical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- travel
- lifestyle choices
- writing
Key Concepts
environmental philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance of nature and culture do you seek?
- How can cities honor natural simplicity?
A Different Perspective
Urban life offers opportunities and culture.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
