None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Absolutely speaking, Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you is by no means a golden rule, but the best of current silver. An honest man would have but little occasion for it. It is golden not to have any rule at all in such a case.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of treating others well, but suggests that true integrity goes beyond merely following a rule.
Henry David Thoreau's quote reflects on the well-known ethical principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated. While he acknowledges it as a good guideline ('silver rule'), he argues that the highest moral behavior transcends rules, suggesting that an honest person should act out of integrity rather than adherence to a prescribed standard.
Themes
EthicsIntegrityTreatmentConductMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethics, this quote can be used to illustrate that true morality goes beyond rules.
More from Henry David Thoreau
All quotes →Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
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Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
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As every season seems best to us in its turn, so the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.
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That grand old poem called Winter
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