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
Similar quotes
What I told [my teammates] after the game was I'm just fortunate [for] my 16 years because, this [injury] can happen every single night you go out and play... It can be over in one instant, so you should appreciate everyday.
Charles BarkleyRead
Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also becomes richer and happier.
Albert SchweitzerRead
Nothing but pain, stuck in this game, searching for fortune and fame.
Tupac ShakurRead
Let's face the music and dance.
Irving BerlinRead
And life goes on, which seems kind of strange and cruel when you're watching someone die. But there's a joy and an abundance of everything, like information and laughter and summer weather and so many stories.
Melina MarchettaRead
And in those varieties of pain of which we spoke anon, what a part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us! What myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from out of it! Nature meant very gently by women when she made that teaplant; and with a little thought what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup!
William Makepeace ThackerayRead