None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Every man who has ever been earnest to preserve his higher or poetic faculties in the best condition, has been particularly inclined to abstain from animal food
Interpretation
What this quote means
Thoreau suggests that those dedicated to cultivating their artistic and spiritual selves often avoid consuming meat.
In this quote, Thoreau conveys the idea that individuals who are truly committed to nurturing their higher sensibilities, such as creativity and spirituality, tend to refrain from eating animal products. He associates a vegetarian lifestyle with a deeper engagement in the poetic and thoughtful aspects of life, implying that such choices can enhance one's connection to higher ideals and foster a more profound existence.
Themes
VegetarianismCreativitySpiritualityPhilosophyThoreau
In practice
Example use cases
During discussions on dietary choices at a wellness retreat.
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.
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
Similar quotes
Did you ever think, Clarice, why the Philistines don't understand you? It's because you are the answer to Samson's riddle. You are the honey in the lion.
Thomas HarrisRead
Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State - to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims - Hindus, Christians, and Parsis - but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan.
Muhammad Ali JinnahRead
He who affirms that Christianity makes men miserable, is himself an utter stranger to it.
Charles SpurgeonRead
If two angels were to receive at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule earth’s grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell to his lot, the post of ruler or the post of scavenger; for the joy of the angels lies only in obedience to God’s will, and with equal joy they would lift a Lazarus in his rags to Abraham’s bosom, or be a chariot of fire to carry an Elijah home.
John NewtonRead
We thrust our fingers into our ears to stop its moan; but it was no good; the cry cut like a drill into our heads, dragging minutes into hours, hours into years. We withered and grew old between those cries.
Ernst TollerRead
Perhaps our greatest distinction as a species is our capacity, unique among animals, to make counter-evolutionary choices.
Jared DiamondRead