A Good Life

“I have lived through much, and now I think I have found what is needed for happiness. A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor – such is my idea of happiness. And then, on top of all that, you for a mate, and children, perhaps-what more can the heart of a man desire?”

– Leo Tolstoy.

What more indeed?

I recently came across this quote while watching a movie. Anybody know which one?

I’ve often struggled to put into words what constitutes a “good life.” This quote comes pretty close. It reminds me of some of the observations of The Teacher in Ecclesiastes (“That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil–this is a gift of God.”)

I think we often make life–and our faith–a lot more complicated than they have to be.

5 Comments

  1. Mike the Eyeguy

    For the record, the movie was Into the Wild. I highly recommend it.

  2. Jason Bybee

    Have you read the book? I hear it’s pretty good.

  3. Mike the Eyeguy

    I read Krakauer’s Into Thin Air but not Into the Wild. But I will now. The film is an arresting piece of work–Sean Penn did an excellent job writing/directing. Hal Holbrook’s performance alone makes it worth watching.

  4. Jason Bybee

    I ran across the book in Barnes & Noble a few months back; I guess it was a re-release in light of the movie preview. I’ve been wanting to catch the film. Based on your review, I probably will. Still waiting to see Juno, too. I know you really enjoyed it.

  5. Albedo0.39

    I’ve got the book if anyone wants to borrow. It’s buried in a box here somewhere. I was going to comment the other day, but didn’t have my password with me.

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