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You never gain something but that you lose something.
Henry David Thoreau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Every gain comes with a loss, highlighting the balance of life.

This quote by Henry David Thoreau emphasizes the idea that every positive change or achievement in life is often accompanied by a sacrifice or a loss. It serves as a reminder that in our pursuit of goals and desires, we must acknowledge the costs that may come along with our successes, prompting a deeper understanding of the nature of gain and loss in our lives.

Themes

GainLossBalanceChangeSacrifice

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about pursuing dreams and the sacrifices required.

More from Henry David Thoreau

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
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Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
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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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That grand old poem called Winter
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