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About this quote

What does it mean?
People in civilized societies always have small, unnoticed comforts that enrich daily life.
In plain terms
Civilization provides constant, subtle luxuries that we often overlook.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the small comforts that make modern life better.

Where it applies

  • appreciating modern amenities
  • reflecting on quality of life

Putting it to work

  • note daily conveniences
  • practice gratitude for comfort

Questions to consider

  • What small comfort do you take for granted?
  • How does comfort shape your day?

Another view

Not everyone shares equally in these luxuries.

More from Walter Bagehot

  1. A severe though not unfriendly critic of our institutions said that the cure for admiring the House of Lords was to go and look at it.

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  2. All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality - the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to esca…

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  3. A schoolmaster should have an atmosphere of awe, and walk wonderingly, as if he was amazed at being himself.

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