Right Living as a Fine Art: A Study of Channing's Symphony as an Outline of the Ideal Life and Character

"Right Living as a Fine Art" by Newell Dwight Hillis is a philosophical and motivational work written in the early 20th century. This book serves as an exploration of the ideal life and character through the lens of William Henry Channing's "My Symphony," suggesting that living beautifully requires understanding and cultivating one's spiritual and moral dimensions rather than pursuing materialistic ideals. The text encourages readers to consider the beauty of life as a fine art, emphasizing simplicity, self-awareness, and a connection to deeper values. In this study, Hillis outlines Channing's vision for a beautiful life, advocating for contentment with simplicity and the practice of virtues like frugality, love, and patience. He points out the negative consequences of wealth obsession, urging a focus on intellectual cultivation and moral character instead. The book delves into themes such as the importance of listening to the world around us in order to grow, the role of knowledge in attaining wisdom, and the transformative power of spiritual beauty within one's character. Ultimately, Hillis posits that true fulfillment and aesthetic living come from aligning one's inner life with greater ideals, particularly those exemplified by Christ.