To live content with small means

To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion

To be worthy not respectable

To be wealthy, not rich

To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly

To listen to the stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart

To bear all cheerfully

To 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 Ellery Channing