I will seek elegance rather than luxury,
refinement rather than fashion.
I will seek to be worthy more than respectable,
wealthy and not rich.
I will study hard, think quietly, talk gently, and act frankly.
I will listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with an open heart.
I will bear all things cheerfully, do all things bravely await occasions and hurry never.
In a word I will let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common.
- William Ellery Channing