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 study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart -- to bear all cheerfully -- do all bravely, await occasions -- never hurry; in a word, to let the spiritual unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony. --- William Ellery Channing. My Symphony
