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Beauty Quote by William Ellery Channing

“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await…” quote by William Ellery Channing
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“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common - this is my symphony. William Henry Channing's Symphony: some background, and its appearance in an Arthur Brisbane editorial - from the 1906 collection, Editorials From The Hearst Newspapers”

William Ellery Channing

About This Quote

Source Essay: Symphony of Life, William Ellery Channing, 1906

Live simply, seek elegance, value worth over status, listen deeply, study hard, act honestly, let unconscious growth guide you.

In simple terms: Live modestly, act with integrity, let inner growth flourish.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate humility, curiosity, and authentic expression.

Themes

simplicity integrity growth

Mood

contemplative inspirational

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal journaling
  • mindful work
  • community service

Key Concepts

philosophy self‑development spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance simplicity with modern demands?
  • What practices nurture inner growth amid daily noise?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may clash with material pressures and societal expectations.

2.7 out of 5 (10 ratings)

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