This week's Bitesize Inspiration is slightly different in that it has come out of a novel that I am currently reading, The Tiger in the Smoke by Margery Allingham (1952). It is not a quote from a philosopher, a famous author, a scientist or a religious leader. It's also quite a controversial one, but I wanted to share it with you and see what you think.
"Normally he was the happiest of men. He asked so little of life that its frugal bounty amazed and delighted him."
The character to whom this quote refers hasn't yet taken a substantial role in the story, yet this wonderful image draws such a special picture that I can't help but want to know more. The next sentence goes on to add: "The older he grew and the poorer he became, the calmer and more contented appeared his fine gentle face." He is a man with a vivid imagination, who believes in miracles, and whose house "had mellowed, just as he had, with care and use and quiet living."
All of this painted the most wonderful picture to me, even though it goes directly against our society's definition of happiness as newer, shinier, bigger, better and more liked. It also brings to mind the Gratitude Journal that I spoke of last week. It reminds us how others have lived in the past with so little, and how many still do today and to give thanks with delight and amazement at the many bounties that we have. And just in case we needed to remember this, it reminds us how very little we actually need to be happy. For more discussions on happiness, please click here.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and, as always, have a lovely week!
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