Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only indispensable, but positive hindrances to read more

Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.

Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury--to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of read more

Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury--to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for every one, best for both the body and the mind.

Luxury is the first, second and third cause of the ruin of republics. It is the vampire which soothes us read more

Luxury is the first, second and third cause of the ruin of republics. It is the vampire which soothes us into a fatal slumber while it sucks the lifeblood of our veins.

Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury.

Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury.

On his weary couch
Fat Luxury, sick of the night's debauch,
Lay groaning, fretful at the obtrusive read more

On his weary couch
Fat Luxury, sick of the night's debauch,
Lay groaning, fretful at the obtrusive beam
That through his lattice peeped derisively.

It was luxuries like air conditioning that brought down the Roman Empire. With air conditioning their windows were shut, they read more

It was luxuries like air conditioning that brought down the Roman Empire. With air conditioning their windows were shut, they couldn't hear the barbarians coming.

Sofas 'twas half a sin to sit upon,
So costly were they; carpets, every stitch
Of workmanship read more

Sofas 'twas half a sin to sit upon,
So costly were they; carpets, every stitch
Of workmanship so rare, they make you wish
You could glide o'er them like a golden fish.

Luxury may possibly contribute to give bread to the poor; but if there were no luxury, there would be no read more

Luxury may possibly contribute to give bread to the poor; but if there were no luxury, there would be no poor.

Morality is a private and costly luxury

Morality is a private and costly luxury