None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Men have a respect for scholarship and learning greatly out of proportion to the use they commonly serve.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often value knowledge and education more than their practical applications.
Thoreau suggests that society tends to hold scholarship and academic knowledge in high regard, often to an exaggerated extent, despite the fact that such knowledge may not always lead to practical usefulness. This reflects a common phenomenon where the pursuit of learning is seen as valuable in itself, even when its direct applications are not immediately clear or beneficial.
Themes
EducationScholarshipLearningKnowledgeValue
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of valuing education.
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All quotes βThrough want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
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