None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Sometimes we are clarified and calmed healthily, as we never were before in our lives, not by an opiate, but by some unconscious obedience to the all-just laws, so that we become like a still lake of purest crystal and without an effort our depths are revealed to ourselves. . . .
Interpretation
What this quote means
True clarity and calmness come from aligning with just laws, revealing our inner depths without effort.
In this quote, Thoreau reflects on the profound sense of tranquility and clarity that can arise when we subconsciously adhere to universal principles of justice and fairness. Unlike temporary relief achieved through artificial means, such as opiates, this natural obedience allows for an authentic revelation of our true selves, symbolized by the image of a still lake that reveals its depths clearly and effortlessly.
Themes
ClarityCalmnessWisdomSelf-DiscoveryJustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation session, I shared this quote to highlight the importance of inner peace.
More from Henry David Thoreau
All quotes →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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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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