this is to be my symphony

 
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, to babes
and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully,
do all bravely,

await occasions, hurry never. In a
word, to let the spiritual, unbidden
and unconscious, grow up through

the common. This is to be my symphony.

- William Henry Channing

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