This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

This being human is a guest house. Every morning is a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor...Welcome and entertain them all. Treat each guest honorably. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

Nobody can be as agreeable as an uninvited guest.

The most welcome guest in society will ever be the one to whose mind every thing is a suggestion, and whose words suggest something to everybody.

A guest never forgets the host who has treated him kindly.

This being human is a guest house Every morning a new arrival A joy, a depression, a meanness Some momentary awareness Comes as an unexpected visitor Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows Who violently sweep your house Empty of its furniture Still treat each guest honorably He may be cleaning you out For some new delight! The dark thought, the shame, the malice Meet them at the door laughing And invite them in Be grateful for whoever comes Because each has been sent As a guide from the beyond.

The only advantage of not being too good a housekeeper is that your guests are so pleased to feel how very much better they are.

People just showed up and were always made welcome. To stay less than an hour was an insult, and there was always a meal.

The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.

When friends are at your hearthside met,
Sweet courtesy has done its most
If you have made each guest forget
That he himself is not the host.

The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other’s welcome.

My default is not to feel unwelcome. My default is to seek welcome.

Newcomers should feel at ease, as they are welcome. They have already renounced their previous party. It is only those who haven't renounced their former parties that need to be treated with caution.

Once again...welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.