None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that even good actions can be corrupted or perceived negatively when mixed with insincerity or ulterior motives.
Henry David Thoreau's quote reflects on the nature of moral integrity. It implies that when goodness is compromised by ulterior motives or personal gains, it loses its purity and can lead to a more negative perception than outright wrongdoing. This serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of authenticity in our intentions and actions.
Themes
GoodnessMoralityAuthenticityIntegrityUlterior Motives
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethics, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of genuine good deeds.
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.
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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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