The Havamal: A Heathen Path of Living (Part 43)

68.

These things are thought the best:

Fire, the sight of the sun,

Good health with the gift to keep it,

And a life lived without shame.

This stanza is a reminder that the simple things in life are best. It is important to remind ourselves of this every now and then. In modern life, we are often bombarded with messages that tell us that we don’t have enough. In fact, the whole basis of our consumer economy is to convince us that we are somehow lacking in our lives and that buying some product will help fulfill our lives. But, in reality most people in modern life have the things we need: food, water, shelter, and, hopefully, safety and health.

A fire keeps us warm and helps us cook our food and boil water to make it safe to drink. The sight of the sun can perk up our mood and considering that the Havamal was written by people living in Scandinavia, a region known for rain and fog, the sight of the sun must have been really uplifting. Of course, without good health, it is difficult to really appreciate anything else. When we are sick, everything is more difficult and less enjoyable. Of course, living a life without shame is considered is the best of all. To go through the day knowing that you have a live an honorable life that is filled with courtesy towards others means that you never have to worry about apologizing for the wrongs that you have done.