Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote, "Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral," carries a profound message about the value we place on different endeavors in life. At its core, this quote emphasizes the importance of appreciating and respecting all forms of labor and creation, irrespective of their scale or grandeur. In doing so, it encourages a shift in perspective that promotes the dignity and significance of everyday, seemingly ordinary tasks as much as the grandiose and monumental achievements.
This quote underscores the idea that our society often places a disproportionate emphasis on grandiose and monumental undertakings, such as building cathedrals, monuments, or great works of art. These endeavors are traditionally celebrated for their cultural, historical, or artistic significance. However, they tend to overshadow the smaller, more practical, and humble contributions to society, like building a chicken house.
The comparison between building a cathedral and constructing a chicken house serves as a metaphor for contrasting values in our lives. Cathedrals symbolize the extraordinary, the sublime, and the monumental, while chicken houses represent the ordinary, the practical, and the functional. This quote suggests that there should be a balance in our perception of worth and recognition for both aspects of human labor and creativity.
By encouraging us to view the construction of a chicken house with the same level of importance as building a cathedral, the quote highlights the intrinsic value of all human efforts. It reminds us that every task, regardless of its scale, contributes to the functioning and improvement of society. Whether it's nurturing a family, maintaining a household, or engaging in any form of honest work, these are all fundamental pieces of the mosaic that forms the foundation of our communities.
The quote also encourages humility and a deeper appreciation for the simple joys of life. It implies that there's beauty in the mundane and that we should not underestimate the significance of everyday, practical contributions. In our pursuit of grand achievements, we may sometimes overlook the satisfaction and fulfillment that can be derived from more ordinary, down-to-earth activities. A well-built chicken house may not inspire awe like a cathedral, but it fulfills a vital role in supporting and nourishing life.
In essence, this quote is a call to reconsider our values, to recognize and respect the myriad ways people contribute to society, and to acknowledge that it is not just the grand gestures, but also the ordinary acts of kindness, hard work, and practicality that help sustain and enrich our lives. It encourages us to appreciate the diversity of human endeavors and reminds us that, in the grand tapestry of existence, every thread, whether humble or splendid, plays a crucial part in the overall picture of human progress and well-being.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral." is often attributed to Frank Lloyd Wright (Quotes). Frank Lloyd Wright was an influential American architect renowned for his innovative and organic architectural designs.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
