None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may seem, am satisfied that it does not agree with my constitution.
Interpretation
Doing good can feel limiting or unfulfilling for some individuals.
In this quote, Thoreau reflects on the act of doing good, suggesting that while it is a widely accepted and noble profession, he finds it contrary to his natural inclinations or constitution. He implies that personal satisfaction and alignment with one's true self is more important than conforming to societal expectations of goodness.
In practice
A speaker at a charity event might use this quote to illustrate the importance of personal passion in philanthropy.
None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
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.
That grand old poem called Winter
The most depraved type of human being ... (is) the man without a purpose.
Salvation lies in imitating Christ, in other words, in imitating the 'withdrawal relationship' that links him with his Father... To listen to the Father's silence is to abandon oneself to his withdrawal, to conform to it.
What were we made for? To know God. What aim should we have in life? To know God. What is the eternal life that Jesus gives? To know God. What is the best thing in life? To know God. What in humans gives God most pleasure? Knowledge of himself.
Some of the comments that have been uttered about Islam do not reflect the sentiments of my government or the sentiments of most Americans. Islam, as practiced by the vast majority of people, is a peaceful religion, a religion that respects others. Ours is a country based upon tolerance and we welcome people of all faiths in America.
Are these things good for any other reason except that they end in pleasure, and get rid of and avert pain? Are you looking to any other standard but pleasure and pain when you call them good?
In the fullness of time, educated people will believe there is no soul independent of the body, and hence no life after death.
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