By Ashlyn Nadreau
In the classic Germania by the author Tacitus, he spoke of a civilization of people in ancient Germany called the Fennians. These people had multiple admirable qualities that all modern day people could use.
They proved that simplicity is felicity.
In other words, happiness can come simply by slowing down life and finding the most important parts like family and virtue. Simplifying one’s life is the direct way to happiness.
From the book, Tacitus stated:
“Such a condition they judge more happy than the painful occupation of cultivating the ground, than the labour of rearing houses, than the agitations of hope and fear attending the defence of their own property or the seizing that of others. Secure against the designs of men, secure against the malignity of the Gods, they have accomplished a thing of infinite difficulty; that to them nothing remains even to be wished.”
They continuously found peace with God and with their neighbor because that’s all that they could’ve ever wanted.
Their happiness was not depicted on whether or not they had wealth or fortune or money. “… [N]othing remains even to be wished.” Even in this simple lifestyle, they found peace, happiness, and virtue with the people that meant the most to them, which most can agree that these are the goals that each of us could ever want. The Fennians discovered their purpose. Things of monetary value were not pleasing to them. The things that people could not buy or take away remained to be what mattered most. They were a primary example that a simpler life brings happiness.
~ Ashlyn Nadreau
Founders’ Recipe 