Ancient wisdom Quote by Wendell Berry
““I will purge my mind of the airy claims of church and state, and observe the ancient wisdom of tribesman and peasant, who understood they labored on the earth only to lie down in it in peace, and were content. I will serve the earth and not pretend my life could be better served.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Peace of Wild Things, Wendell Berry, 1968
He rejects institutional doctrines, embracing simple, earth‑bound wisdom and finding contentment in serving the land.
In simple terms: Reject institutions, serve the earth, find peace.
Key Takeaway
Live simply and serve the earth.
Themes
simplicity
earth stewardship
contentment
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- rural living
- environmental activism
- personal meditation
Key Concepts
agrarian philosophy
spiritual ecology
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you find peace by simplifying your life?
- How might serving the earth change your daily choices?
A Different Perspective
Modern life offers many distractions from this path.
![“[All the ancient wisdom] tells us that work is necessary to us, as much a part of our condition as mortality; that good work is our salvation and our joy; that shoddy or dishonest or self-serving work is our curse and our doom. We have tried to escape the sweat and sorrow promised in Genesis…” quote by Wendell Berry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c1/wendell-berry-236_america_all-the-ancient-wisdom-tells-us-that-wor_1212112.jpg)
![“[M]ost Americans are still drawing some water from the Christian well. But a growing number are inventing their own versions of what Christianity means, abandoning the nuances of traditional theology in favor of religions that stroke their egos and indulge or even celebrate their worst impulses…” quote by Ross Douthat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fd7/ross-douthat-2949_american-life_m-ost-americans-are-still-drawing-some-w_743522.jpg)
