"You are welcome to your intellectual pastimes and books and art and newspapers; welcome, too, to your bars and your whisky that only makes me ill. Here am I in the forest, quite content"

In this quote, Knut Hamsun is revealing his contentment with remaining in the forest, away from the diversions of intellectual pursuits, alcohol, and society. He welcomes others to delight in their own interests and vices, however for him, the simpleness and peace of nature suffices. Hamsun might be suggesting that these activities and indulgences just serve to make him ill, both physically and mentally. By contrast, remaining in the forest enables him to disconnect from the turmoil of the world and discover satisfaction in the present minute. This quote highlights the concept that real happiness and satisfaction can be found in simplicity and nature.