--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I've often wish'd that I had clear, For…" description: "\"I've often wish'd that I had clear, For life, six hundred pounds a year; A handsome house to lodge a friend; A river at my garden's end; A terrace walk..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/936/jonathan-swift-433_clear_i-ve-often-wish-d-that-i-had-clear-for-l_2537432.jpg" --- # I've often wish'd that I had clear, For life, six hundred… ![“I've often wish'd that I had clear, For life, six hundred pounds a year; A handsome house to lodge a friend; A river at my garden's end; A terrace walk, and half a rood Of land set out to plant a wood.” quote by Jonathan Swift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/936/jonathan-swift-433_clear_i-ve-often-wish-d-that-i-had-clear-for-l_2537432.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/936/jonathan-swift-433_clear_i-ve-often-wish-d-that-i-had-clear-for-l_2537432.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/936/jonathan-swift-433_clear_i-ve-often-wish-d-that-i-had-clear-for-l_2537432.jpg) > “I've often wish'd that I had clear, For life, six hundred pounds a year; A handsome house to lodge a friend; A river at my garden's end; A terrace walk, and half a rood Of land set out to plant a wood.” [Jonathan Swift](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-swift/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He longs for wealth, property, and a peaceful garden, reflecting material desire and social status. **In simple terms:** He wishes for money, a house, a river, and land. Key Takeaway Recognize that true contentment may not lie in material excess. Themes wealth status contentment Mood reflective longing Type philosophical aspirational When to use this quote - personal budgeting - home ownership - gardening - land investment - philanthropy Key Concepts materialism social aspiration nature appreciation Questions to Reflect On - What truly brings lasting satisfaction? - How might one find peace without excess? A Different Perspective Material wealth cannot guarantee happiness or fulfillment. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Garden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/garden/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Plant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/plant/) [Rivers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rivers/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/) [Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/woods/) ## Related quotes > [Here's the thing: life is now. 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