Day 193, July 10

A dear friend sent this quote to me, from President John Adams to his daughter Abigail whom he called "Nabby."

 

"Regard the honor and moral character of the man more than all other circumstances. Think of no other greatness but that of the soul, no other riches but those of the heart. An honest, sensible, humane man, above all the littleness of vanity and extravagances of imagination, laboring to do good rather than be rich, to be useful rather than make a show, living in modest simplicity clearly within his means and free from debts and obligations, is really the most respectable man in society, makes himself and all about him most happy."

 

As I read and re-read this counsel, it occurred to me that it was good advice for everyone in their own personal conduct.

 

"Greatness of the soul ..."

"No other riches but those of the heart ..."

"Honest, sensible, humane ..."

"Littleness of vanity and extravagnaces of imagination ..."

"Laboring to do good rather than to be rich ..."

"To be useful rather than make a show ..."

"Living in a modest simplicity clearly within his means and free from debts and obligations ..."

 

So, for today, I am grateful those individuals who "make themselves and all about them most happy."