None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
This American government - what is it but a tradition, though a recent one, endeavoring to transmit itself unimpaired to posterity, but each instant losing some of its integrity? It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the nature of government as a tradition that struggles to maintain integrity over time.
Henry David Thoreau's quote critiques the American government by suggesting that it is more of a tradition than a robust force, constantly losing its integrity as it attempts to preserve itself for future generations. He emphasizes the idea that unlike a living individual capable of exercising will and influence, the government lacks the vitality needed for effective governance, making it vulnerable to manipulation by those with individual power.
Themes
GovernmentTraditionIntegrityPowerPosterity
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate, one might use this quote to illustrate the fragility of governmental systems.
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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