to think quietly, to act gently...

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 the stars and birds,

to babes and sages,

with open heart;

to bear on cheerfully,

do all bravely....

William Ellery Channing (1780-1842)

Photo by Peaches
(detail of a mural by Robert Dafford)