The earth has grown old with its burden of care, But at Christmas it always is young.
Phillips BrooksRead
Much as we deplore our condition in life, nothing would make us more satisfied with it than the changing of places, for a few days, with our neighbors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We often dislike our own lives but may appreciate them more if we experience another's life.
This quote by Phillips Brooks suggests that while we may often find fault with our own circumstances, a temporary exchange of life experiences with our neighbors could lead to greater satisfaction. It highlights the tendency of individuals to undervalue their own situations while romanticizing those of others, promoting the idea that gaining perspective through comparison can enhance our appreciation for what we have.
Themes
SatisfactionPerspectiveComparisonLifeContentment
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about appreciating our lives, you might use this quote to encourage gratitude.
More from Phillips Brooks
All quotes βWe never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to become so. You must undertake something so great that you cannot accomplish it unaided.
Phillips BrooksRead
The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden.
Phillips BrooksRead
To believe in the God over us and around us and not in the God within us - that would be a powerless and fruitless faith.
Phillips BrooksRead
To say, 'well done' to any bit of good work is to take hold of the powers which have made the effort and strengthen them beyond our knowledge.
Phillips BrooksRead
Think of life as a voyage. The truest liver of the truest life is like a voyager who, as he sails, is not indifferent to all the beauty of the sea around him.
Phillips BrooksRead
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