"We can best discover the principle of the simple life by a contrast with the spirit of commercialism. The commercial spirit is selfish. Its motto is "Expand to get."... Over and against it, at its antipodes, is the spirit of the simple life. It can be lived at any level of poverty or wealth; and at any age of ignorance or culture. It is sessentially the spirit of living for life's sake, or consecration to personal and social goodness. This spirit does not keep us out of commerical business, nor does it command us to confine our business to narrow limits and to small returns. But if we are to belong to the goodly fellowship of those who live the simple life, our business must be made an avenue of ministering to human life."
Rufus M. Jones, 1927
I really like this quote for a number of reasons. One, is that there are many avenues to a simple life and they can look quite different. However, caring for one another is what is truly important, not how withdrawn you are from society, or how many jars of produce you put up this suummer, but simply caring and ultimately, loving one another.
Any thoughts?
Warm wishes,
Tonya
I heartily agree Tonya! So many people confuse simple with less stuff, or major lifestyle changes to reflect near poverty--I do not understand that as simple. The caring of each other and their needs and the needs of their souls is at best the simplicity of humanity. A message taught throughout the whole NT.
ReplyDeletelove the quote! and your trees are great:)
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes. One person's simple might be another's complexity. Nicely put.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the book, please? I am not familiar with Rufus Jones...
What a wonderful quote. I agree whole-heartedly. Simple living is (to me anyway) focusing on the things in life that are important (love, family, helping others) and nor worrying about the rest.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting a voice to what I have been teaching my children for twenty years.
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Tracey
such a great quote! Simplifying feels so good but my little family is truly what matters to me. I feel so good and whole and complete when they are with me.
ReplyDeleteOh Tonya, This is so very very true! It is amazing how many definitions of "simple" there may be. This notion of what is truly important really rersonates with me. Thanks for the reminder, and who is this fellow?
ReplyDeletexo Jules
I love the quote and thought it was very interesting that it was written in 1927. It is apropros for right now! Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteHi Tonya,
ReplyDeleteOh, Rufus Jones is one of my favorite Quaker teachers, he has such a lovely way with words. And, I whole-heartedly agree with your comments - loving each other is what's really important.
Blessings,
Kim
Dear Tonya,
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd share something from my of experience of (trying!) to live a simple life.
When I love and care about others, I no longer want more than I need. So it seems to go hand in hand: When a person loves and cares about others, it comes naturally that they would want to live simply and when a person lives simply, the natural result is a loving and caring act toward others...for when we don't take more than we need, there is enough for everyone to have what they need!
Thinking of you!
~Reba
Great quote Tonya. Living simply is so much more rewarding!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day,
from Julia (in New Zealand)
what a powerful quote...when things take priority over relationships we only lack. This was a very though provoking post. So many times the 'simple' life can focus on stuff and relationships get put on the shelf. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh I think all of this is so true. Part of living a simpler life, for me, is bringing me closer to my values. So much mental ad physical space is then freed up for loving those around us.
ReplyDeleteLove this! you are an inspiration to me in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing that quote. It was really something that I needed to hear today. I have been following your blog for a few weeks now and I have really enjoyed it.
ReplyDelete<3
Absolutely nothing to add! I think it is a beautiful quote and your thoughts sum living simply up so well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Tonya- thanks for sharing this quote!
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for all of your thoughts re the simple way of life and Tonya's insight and example. I take note of and commend the family with an autistic child. How they love and respect the way their child interprets the world. It is seen in a simple love of family, a favorite blanket, being outdoors, enjoying the water, music. Or a cancer patient fighting for their life, courageous, perservering through dissappointment and then joy when the lab reports improve. How they enjoy the visits from friends, grandchildren, caring for their pets. I appreciate a caring minister, with a busy schedule, who takes time to visit with my Dad. A simple prayer that is shared to remember his wife's passing a year ago. Living life loving and serving others is simply the best! June.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post, thank you Tonya!
ReplyDelete