None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Books are to be distinguished by the grandeur of their topics even more than by the manner in which they are treated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The significance of a book lies more in its subject matter than in its writing style.
Henry David Thoreau emphasizes that the true value of a book is determined by the importance and breadth of its themes rather than the skillful execution of its writing. He suggests that profound ideas can shine through regardless of the author's style, and that the topics themselves should captivate readers and provoke thought.
Themes
BooksTopicsWritingValueIdeas
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about literature, one might say, 'As Thoreau noted, the greatness of books is rooted in their themes.'
More from Henry David Thoreau
All quotes βThrough want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
Henry David ThoreauRead
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
Henry David ThoreauRead
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.
Henry David ThoreauRead
That grand old poem called Winter
Henry David ThoreauRead
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