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.

Then there is that glorious Epicurean paradox, uttered by my
friend, the Historian in one of his flashing moments: read more

Then there is that glorious Epicurean paradox, uttered by my
friend, the Historian in one of his flashing moments: "Give us
the luxuries of life, and we will dispense with its necessaries."

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.

On the soft bed of luxury most kingdoms have expired.

On the soft bed of luxury most kingdoms have expired.

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.

Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.

Luxury ruins republics; poverty, monarchies.

It is impossible to overdo luxury

It is impossible to overdo luxury

Living in the lap of luxury isn't bad, except that you never know when luxury is going to stand up

Living in the lap of luxury isn't bad, except that you never know when luxury is going to stand up

Utility is when you have one telephone, luxury is when you have two, opulence is when you have three - read more

Utility is when you have one telephone, luxury is when you have two, opulence is when you have three - and paradise is when you have none.