The chearful light, the vital air, Are blessings widely given ; Let nature's commoners enjoy The common gifts of heaven.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Basic necessities like air and light are universal gifts meant for everyone, not just the elite.
- In plain terms
- Nature gives essential gifts to all people equally.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that common resources belong to everyone.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who currently controls access to nature's basics?
- How do we protect these gifts for all?
Another view
It assumes all societies treat these gifts fairly.
More from Anna Letitia Barbauld
If e'er thy breast with freedom glow'd, And spurn'd a tyrant's chain, Let not thy strong oppressive force A free-born mouse detain.
Permalink to quote #3 Man is the nobler growth our realms supply, And souls are ripened in our northern sky.
Permalink to quote #5 OH! hear a pensive captive's prayer, For liberty that sighs ; And never let thine heart be shut Against the prisoner's cries.
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
Woodman, spare that tree! Touch not a single bough! In youth it sheltered me, And I 'll protect it now.
George Pope MorrisGeorge Pope Morris quote #1 Crowds of bees are giddy with clover Crowds of grasshoppers skip at our feet, Crowds of larks at their matins hang over, Thanking the Lord for a life so sweet.
Jean IngelowJean Ingelow quote #2 The use of the sea and air is common to all; neither can a title to the ocean belong to any people or private persons, forasmuch as neither nature nor public u…
Elizabeth I of EnglandElizabeth I of England quote #6