"A cloudy day or a little sunshine have as great an influence on many constitutions as the most recent blessings or misfortunes"
- Joseph Addison
About this Quote
This quote by Joseph Addison speaks with the power of the environment on our psychological and physical health. He suggests that even small changes in the weather, such as a cloudy day or a little sunlight, can have a considerable effect on our wellbeing. This holds true even if the modifications are not associated with any current blessings or bad luck. Addison is highlighting the importance of being mindful of our environment and how it can affect our state of minds and total health. He is suggesting that we should put in the time to appreciate the small things in life, such as a sunny day, and recognize the effect they can have on our health and wellbeing. By doing so, we can better manage our psychological and physical health and produce a more favorable outlook on life.
"My sorrow, when she's here with me, thinks these dark days of autumn rain are beautiful as days can be; she loves the bare, the withered tree; she walks the sodden pasture lane"
"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time"