July 12th is National Simplicity Day in honor of Henry David Thoreau’s birthday. And for me, simplicity is beautiful by itself. Today, I share with you some beautiful quotes on simplicity from books I read and loved or are on my TBR (for too long now, in many cases!).

Aside: I know I love whimsical stuff but whimsy can also be sweet and simple

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Note about images: a mix of royalty free images from Unsplash, Pixabay, Canva, and my own (I took the sunset photo with the quote from Eckhart Tolle at Pigeon Point Lighthouse near Pescadaro along Highway 1)

13 Beautiful Quotes on Simplicity from Books

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

Coelho’s The Alchemist is one of my favorite reads, and a stunningly beautiful read as well. While I never looked too deep into the book when I first read it, reading it again with a fresh perspective more recently made me realize the wisdom (unintentionally referencing being wiser here, for I am a long way to go for that) within this must-read book.

“It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them.”

The Bridges of Madison County, Robert James Waller

I watched and loved the The Bridges of Madison County movie. Then I got the book from the library, along with a dozen other books, but had to return it before I could finish it. And after that, I never somehow got to the book again though I recall enjoying what I read of it. I guess it is high time I did so. Have you read The Bridges of Madison County? Do let me know your thoughts on it.

“Complex things are easy to do. Simplicity’s the real challenge.”

The Dharma Bums, Jack Kerouac

While I have not read The Dharma Bums yet, I have read parts of Big Sur by Kerouac for it is Big Sur after all. And this quote – I love it – it makes me hopeful for myself too!

“One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.”

The Duchess of Whimsy, Randall De Seve

I read The Duchess of Whimsy a while ago but not sure why I did not review it at all. It is delightful and whimsical and so very normal as well. Read it to discover its delights and quirks and punny jokes and more!

“But the Earl is hungry! He sneaks off to an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich—and suddenly takes the Duchess’s eye. Maybe there’s something to simplicity after all. Maybe there’s something to the Earl after all . . ”

The Gift of the Magi, O’ Henry

O’ Henry is one of my favorite writers and I recall tearing up the very first time I read The Gift of the Magi in middle school (it was another of those stories that showed up in our supplemental reading book for English class).

 “It was a platinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, properly proclaiming its value by substance alone and not by meretricious ornamentation—as all good things should do.”

The Joy of Less, Francine Jay

Francine Jay is on my TBR author list and I have a couple of books earmarked to read, including The Joy of Less and Lightly. And isn’t this a simple way to simplify life?

“My goal is no longer to get more done, but rather to have less to do.”

The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Little Prince captured my heart the first time I read the book and a piece of my heart stays there within still. And this quote is definitely one of the most powerful lines from the book (which has way too many more powerful inspiring beautiful lines).

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

What can I say about Little Women that I haven’t already? I talk about the book as a much beloved one and you can check out the many retellings in this post. If you want to celebrate Little Women style, then I have some ideas for you.

“…love is a great beautifier.”

“…love is a great beautifier.”

The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle’s words never fail to motivate and inspire one to be better. I read The Power of Now when I first started working and strongly believe in this quote below.

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.”

Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu

I am yet to read the Tao Te Ching and simply love the sub-title in this linked edition that says it all ‘The Book of the Way.’ While I have not read it whole, I have dipped into the wisdom within via excerpts and quotes many a time. It teaches a great way to live for sure.

“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”

Walden, Thoreau

I wrote about ways to simplify inspired by reading Walden here in this post. And this short quote says so much, and does it so very simply.

“Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.”

A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson

Do check out my son’s must-read review of Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, and if you haven’t read it already, do add it to your list and get to it soon (I promise to do as well – have been promising myself that for years now!). As for the quote, I see the truth in it all too well, each time I have spent time camping or being in a place where we let time go, and simply be.

“Life takes on a neat simplicity, too. Time ceases to have any meaning. When it is dark, you go to bed, and when it is light again you get up, and everything in between is just in between. It’s quite wonderful, really.”

Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne

What do we do with Winnie the Pooh? The answer is simple: let him take up room in your heart! If you love him and want to read more similar reads, then I have the solution here.

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart”

Related Reads and More

• Just to See A Simple World
• Here are the Best Books of Quotes Ever!! (Maybe?)
• 10 Favorite Quotes From Wonderful Books
• Five(*3) Powerful Quotes About Listening and How to Listen

And Now, the End of This Post of Quotes on Simplicity

Dear reader, which of these quotes appeals to you? And do share your own favorite quotes on simplicity with me. As for the books themselves, which ones have you read, liked, and why? Which one would you pick to read first if you have not read them?