None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Strive for a purpose beyond mere goodness; aim to contribute positively to the world.
This quote encourages individuals to look beyond conventional notions of morality and to pursue a deeper purpose. Thoreau suggests that simply being good is not enough; one should also aim to be good for a meaningful cause, emphasizing the importance of active engagement and contribution to society.
Themes
MoralityPurposeGoodnessServiceContribution
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about community service.
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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