None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
If a man is alive, there is always danger that he may die, though the danger must be allowed to be less in proportion as he is dead-and-alive to begin with. A man sits as many risks as he runs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is filled with risks and uncertainties, and being alive means facing the possibility of danger.
This quote by Henry David Thoreau reflects on the inherent dangers of life and the constant awareness of mortality that accompanies existence. It suggests that while life presents risks, these risks may seem less daunting as one becomes more accepting of life's impermanence. The phrase 'a man sits as many risks as he runs' implies that awareness and acceptance of risk can alter how we perceive danger, inviting both caution and courage in our daily lives.
Themes
LifeRiskDeathExistenceCourage
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about embracing life, one could say, 'As Thoreau reminds us, if a man is alive, there is always danger—let's not shy away from risks.'
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
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I cannot rest from travel: I will drink Life to the lees: all times I have enjoyed Greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those That loved me, and alone.
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