None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
The squirrel that you kill in jest, dies in earnest.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Actions, even if taken lightly, can have serious consequences.
This quote by Henry David Thoreau emphasizes the idea that what may seem like a trivial act or a joke can have profound and irreversible effects. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of our actions, as they may cause harm or have unintended consequences, regardless of our intentions.
Themes
ActionsConsequencesMindfulnessSquirrelJestEarnest
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about environmental conservation, one might use this quote to highlight the impact of seemingly small actions on wildlife.
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
Similar quotes
What ever the motive for the insult, it is always best to overlook it; for folly doesn't deserve resentment, and malice is punished by neglect.
Samuel JohnsonRead
Is a diamond less valuable because it is covered with mud? God sees the changeless beauty of our souls. He knows we are not our mistakes.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
Do not, however, mistake me. It is not to my good friend's heresy that I impute his honesty. On the contrary, 'tis his honesty that brought upon him the character of a heretic.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Some people wanted champagne and caviar when they should have had beer and hot dogs.
Dwight D. EisenhowerRead
You can't wait for the end of your problems for you to be present. It has to be done whereever you are - which is now
Eckhart TolleRead
Humility is the mother of all virtues: the humble in spirit progress and are blessed because they willingly submit to higher powers and try to live in harmony with natural laws and universal principles. Courage is the father of all virtues; we need great courage to lead our lives by correct principles and to have integrity in the moment of choice.
Stephen CoveyRead