None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Thaw with her gentle persuasion is more powerful than Thor with his hammer. The one melts, the other breaks into pieces.
Interpretation
Gentle persuasion is a more effective tool than force or power.
In this quote, Thoreau highlights the strength of gentle persuasion over brute force. He suggests that while physical power may be able to break things apart, it is the gentle and kind approach that can genuinely change hearts and minds, creating lasting and meaningful connections.
In practice
In a discussion about conflict resolution at a workplace seminar.
None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
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.
That grand old poem called Winter
We all like to look good. However, this basic human desire can often get in the way of our listening and our speaking. This tendency often evinces itself in two simple words: 'I know.' But if I know everything, what can I learn? Absolutely nothing.
Professions of humility are the very cream, the very essence of pride; the really humble person wishes to be, and not to appear so. Humility is timorous, and starts at her shadow; and so delicate that if she hears her name pronounced it endangers her existence.
Additional problems are the offspring of poor solutions.
As you care less about what people think of you, you will care more about what others think of themselves.
Half-instructed confessors have done my soul great harm; for I could not always have such learned ones as I would have desired. They certainly did not wish to deceive me, but the fact was that they knew no better. Of something which was a venial sin, they said it was no sin, and out of a very grave mortal sin they made a venial sin. This has done me such harm, that my speaking here of so great an evil, as a warning to others, will be readily understood.
Wisdom is better than silver and gold
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