

To live content with what you have; To seek elegance rather than luxury, And refinement rather than fashion; To be worthy, not reputable, 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