
The Best is Good Enough
This collection of poetry explores the themes of simplicity and contentment, encouraging readers to appreciate the beauty in everyday life. The poems often feature rural settings and characters, highlighting the joys of a simpler way of living.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational · 169 words
First lines
I quarrel not with Destiny, But make the best of everything -- The best is good enough for me.
Leave Discontent alone, and she Will shut her month and let _you_ sing.
I quarrel not with Destiny.
I take some things, or let 'em be -- Good gold has always got the ring; The best is good enough for me.
What this Textopian page supports
The Best is Good Enough is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Inspirational, Reflective
- Length: 169 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Best is Good Enough by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Best is Good Enough?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore acceptance of fate and contentment, which are philosophical in nature.
- Inspirational — The message encourages making the best of circumstances, which is motivational.
- Reflective — The work reflects on personal attitudes towards destiny and satisfaction.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Self-Help · Motivational · Inspirational · Optimistic · Positive Thinking · Personal Growth · Developmental · Life Lessons · Moral Guidance · Wisdom
More by James Whitcomb Riley