None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
A farmer, a hunter, a soldier, a reporter, even a philosopher, may be daunted; but nothing can deter a poet, for he is actuated by pure love. Who can predict his comings and goings? His business calls him out at all hours, even when doctors sleep.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the unwavering passion and dedication of a poet driven by love, which transcends other professions.
In this quote, Henry David Thoreau illustrates the unique commitment of poets compared to other professions like farmers, hunters, soldiers, reporters, and philosophers. He emphasizes that a poet, motivated by pure love for their craft, remains undeterred by challenges that might discourage others, suggesting that their creative spirit compels them to write and express their thoughts at any time, even outside the conventional hours of work.
Themes
PoetLoveDedicationCreativityPassion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire writers during a poetry reading session.
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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