July 19

That which is truly useful and good—and therefore great—is always simple.

1

The language of truth is simple.

— Seneca

2

The good is natural to the human being, and therefore everything good is simple and imperceptible.

3

The true greatness of human life is almost always completely imperceptible. It is very likely that before us, silently and in secret, the greatest deed is being performed, the most magnanimous sacrifice is taking place, or the loftiest idea is being born, and we do not even suspect it. I believe that such greatness is very common among many people, whose names we do not hear and do not know. I am convinced that among the so-called ordinary people one will find the most cases of courageously endured suffering, unadorned truth, firm faith and that true magnanimity which gives away that which the giver himself needs, and, most important, one will find more cases than in the rich of the true understanding of the meaning of life and death.

— After Channing

4

Oftentimes it is the most simple, unlearned and uneducated people who can apprehend clearly, consciously and easily the true, rational teaching of life, whereas the most learned people, precisely due to their very learnedness, are deprived of the possibility of apprehending that which they and every human being needs.

5

You need very little to feed yourself, clothe yourself and have a place to live, the rest is acquired to adapt to other people’s tastes or to outshine others.

— Eastern wisdom

6

Simplicity in life, language and habits strengthens a nation, whereas luxury, pretentious language and effeminate habits lead to weakness and ruin.

— John Ruskin

7

The clearest concepts are often obscured by complex reasonings.

— Cicero

If you want to find an example to imitate, look for it among simple, humble people. Only there will you find true greatness, which not only does not flaunt itself, but is not even aware of itself.