None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
What sort of philosophers are we, who know absolutely nothing of the origin and destiny of cats?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Thoreau questions the depth of philosophical inquiry when it overlooks the fundamental aspects of life, such as the nature of cats.
In this quote, Henry David Thoreau reflects on the limitations of philosophical thought, emphasizing that true understanding should encompass all aspects of existence, including the seemingly simple and profound nature of creatures like cats. He suggests that if philosophers neglect such fundamental questions, their wisdom is essentially inadequate, prompting a reconsideration of what it means to seek knowledge and understanding in life.
Themes
PhilosophyCatsKnowledgeExistenceUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a philosophical conference could use this quote to illustrate the importance of questioning fundamental aspects of life.
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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