None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Be not merely good. Be good for something.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote encourages individuals to strive for purpose rather than just being good without direction.
Henry David Thoreau's quote emphasizes the importance of living with intention and purpose. Merely being 'good' is insufficient; one should seek to apply their goodness to something greater, whether it be contributing to society, helping others, or pursuing meaningful goals. It advocates for an active engagement with one's values to create a positive impact in the world.
Themes
GoodnessPurposeIntentionImpactService
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire volunteers at a community service event.
More from Henry David Thoreau
All quotes βThrough 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
One-half of the ills of life come because men are unwilling to sit down quietly for thirty minutes to think through all the possible consequences of their acts.
Blaise PascalRead
Your life works to the degree you keep your agreements.
Werner ErhardRead
You never know the answers to the questions of life until you are asked.
Salman RushdieRead
Everything is perfect, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
Verses which do not teach men new and moving truths do not deserve to be read.
VoltaireRead
Don't grumble! Don't stew! Some critters are much-much, Oh, ever so much-much So muchly much-much more unlucky than you!
Dr. SeussRead