Independent People tells the story of Guðbjartur Jónsson, a strong creative man who glories in his dependence on chosen acres of the fruitful earth. These are his musings:

“A man is always independent if the hut he lives in is his own. This desire for freedom runs in a man’s blood, as anybody who has been servant to another understands.”

‘Guðbjartur Jónsson’, Sjálfstætt fólk, Halldor Laxness, 1934

Guðbjartur of the Summerhouses:

“…Freedom is of more account than the height of a roof beam. I ought to know; mine cost me eighteen years’ slavery. The man who lives on his own land is an independent man. He is his own master.”

Halldór Laxness, Sjálfstætt fólk

“Townsfolk have no conception of the peace that mother nature bestows… The countryman, on the other hand walks out into the verdant meadows, into an atmosphere clear and pure, and as he breaths it into his lungs some unknown power streams through his limbs, invigorating body and soul. The peace in nature fills his mind with calm and cheer, the bright green grass under his feet awakens a sense of beauty, almost of reverence.”

Halldór Laxness, Sjálfstætt fólk

“A man is always independent if the hut he lives in is his own. Whether he lives or dies is his concern, and his only. Otherwise, I maintain, one cannot be independent. This desire for freedom runs in a man’s blood, as anybody who has been servant to another understands.”

Sjálfstætt fólk, Halldor Laxness, 1934

“Independence is the most important thing of all in life. I say for my part that a man lives in vain until he is independent. People who aren’t independent aren’t people. A man who isn’t his own master is as bad as a man without a dog.”

Halldór Laxness, Sjálfstætt fólk