None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
The savage in man is never quite eradicated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human nature contains an inherent wildness that cannot be entirely removed.
The quote by Henry David Thoreau suggests that within every individual lies a primal instinct or savage quality that exists alongside civilization. This inherent aspect of our humanity is not completely erased by societal norms or personal growth, indicating that the wildness of human nature is a fundamental part of who we are, no matter how much we strive for refinement and civility.
Themes
Human NatureSavageryCivilizationInstinctThoreau
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about human instincts during a psychology lecture.
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
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