A reminder of our extraordinary fortune to stand on the shoulders of scientific and philosophical giants; to bask in luxuries with such security that we consider them ordinary. And yet there...
A reminder of our extraordinary fortune to stand on the shoulders of scientific and philosophical giants; to bask in luxuries with such security that we consider them ordinary. And yet there remains more to accomplish. Living with such material wealth, one wonders how best to share it with many in the world who lack most/all of these providences. One tries their best to support good causes at home and throughout the world, but not much is in our control, even in a life devoted to social welfare.
My takeaway for several years has been that it is better to live simply, and appreciate the history of what we have, so that we don’t become too distant from the Center of human experience. I enjoy my luxuries, but I like them more when I build them, or work with them, or understand them; I think this might help us emulate the feeling of awe that many of these quotations offer.
What is more joyful than rapt enjoyment of a simple pleasure? The cat playing with a piece of metal and cork, the child and a spout of water, myself and my crossword puzzle? I’m not sure that modern luxuries—heated leather car seats, second living rooms, infinitely exotic dinners—are really so elegant if they accustom us to lifestyles that enforce a negative view on anything fundamental. Or if they separate us from the people we would otherwise be communing with.
A reminder of our extraordinary fortune to stand on the shoulders of scientific and philosophical giants; to bask in luxuries with such security that we consider them ordinary. And yet there remains more to accomplish. Living with such material wealth, one wonders how best to share it with many in the world who lack most/all of these providences. One tries their best to support good causes at home and throughout the world, but not much is in our control, even in a life devoted to social welfare.
My takeaway for several years has been that it is better to live simply, and appreciate the history of what we have, so that we don’t become too distant from the Center of human experience. I enjoy my luxuries, but I like them more when I build them, or work with them, or understand them; I think this might help us emulate the feeling of awe that many of these quotations offer.
What is more joyful than rapt enjoyment of a simple pleasure? The cat playing with a piece of metal and cork, the child and a spout of water, myself and my crossword puzzle? I’m not sure that modern luxuries—heated leather car seats, second living rooms, infinitely exotic dinners—are really so elegant if they accustom us to lifestyles that enforce a negative view on anything fundamental. Or if they separate us from the people we would otherwise be communing with.