Skip to content

Atmosphere Quote by Lydia M. Child

“To everything there is a bright side and a dark side; and I hold it to be unwise, unphilosophic, unkind to others, and unhealthy for one's own soul, to form the habit of looking on the dark side. Cheerfulness is to the spiritual atmosphere what sunshine is to the earthly landscape. I am resolved…” quote by Lydia M. Child
Download Open image
“To everything there is a bright side and a dark side; and I hold it to be unwise, unphilosophic, unkind to others, and unhealthy for one's own soul, to form the habit of looking on the dark side. Cheerfulness is to the spiritual atmosphere what sunshine is to the earthly landscape. I am resolved to cherish cheerfulness with might and main.”

Lydia M. Child

About This Quote

Source Essay: Moral Reflections, Lydia M. Child, 1860

Recognizing both positive and negative aspects of life is wise; focusing only on negativity harms oneself and others, while cheerfulness nurtures the spirit like sunshine nurtures the earth.

In simple terms: Seeing both sides is wise; negativity harms, cheerfulness heals.

Key Takeaway

Choose cheerfulness over gloom.

Themes

balance cheerfulness morality well‑being

Mood

optimistic reflective

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution
  • mental health practice

Key Concepts

dualism psychology spiritual health

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does focusing on the bright side affect your decisions?
  • What habits help sustain genuine cheerfulness?
A Different Perspective

Cheerfulness alone cannot solve systemic problems; external circumstances also matter.

2.8 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Lydia M. Child

Explore all 74 Lydia M. Child quotes

More Atmosphere quotes

Browse all 1,572 Atmosphere quotes