None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
It is not a man's duty, as a matter of course, to devote himself to the eradication of any, even the most enormous wrong; he may still properly have other concerns to engage him; but it is his duty, at least, to wash his hands of it, and, if he gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically his support. If I devote myself to other pursuits and contemplations, I must first see, at least, that I do not pursue them sitting upon another man's shoulders.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One should not support injustices passively, even if choosing to focus on other aspects of life.
In this quote, Thoreau emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals to be aware of and refuse complicity in injustices, even if they choose not to actively fight against them. He argues that while it is understandable to have other interests, one must at least ensure that their pursuits do not inadvertently contribute to the suffering of others, thus provoking an ethical reflection on personal choices and societal engagement.
Themes
DutyInjusticeComplicityMoralityResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing social responsibility in a community meeting.
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.
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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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