None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
It is childish to rest in the discovery of mere coincidences, or of partial and extraneous laws.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of seeking deeper understanding rather than settling for superficial observations.
Henry David Thoreau suggests that it is naive to be satisfied with finding mere coincidences or incomplete explanations for events and phenomena. Instead, he encourages a pursuit of deeper truths that transcend simple cause-and-effect reasoning, indicating that true wisdom lies in understanding the underlying principles that govern life.
Themes
CoincidencesWisdomUnderstandingTruthLaws
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on scientific inquiry, to illustrate the importance of looking beyond surface-level observations.
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.
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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.
Henry David ThoreauRead
That grand old poem called Winter
Henry David ThoreauRead
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