This is our modern curse: A century of conspicuous consumption has trained us to be dutiful citizens of the Republic of Not Enough, swearing allegiance to the marketable myth of scarcity, hoarding toilet paper for the apocalypse. Along the way, we have unlearned how to live wide-eyed with wonder at what Hermann Hesse called “the little joys” — those unpurchasable, unstorable emblems of aliveness that abound the moment we look up from our ledger of lack.
Maria Popova
4 Comments
Faye White
Love the vivid color of new growth. The phrase “ledger of lack” is so appropriate today. I must admit, I am often guilty of focusing on what I don’t have or what I think I need. Thanks for sharing the wise words from Maria.
Monte Stevens
This birch tree and the new plant sit just outside my front door. I see it everyday and it always catches my eye. I also resonated with her “ledger of lack” as I am just as guilty. Enjoy your Sunday!
Todd Henson
I was unfamiliar with this quote though the sentiment I’ve heard before and very much agree with. I was recently working on a post where I mentioned that increasingly it’s the simpler things I most look forward to and enjoy. And what a perfect example of a little joy you’ve created with your photograph. Beautiful pairing.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Todd! The quote talks about looking up from our ledger of lack, where in this image, I needed to look down. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. I too, need to look more at the simpler things in life.