I have lived to prove Thoreau's contention that a man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.
Interpretation
True wealth comes not from what we possess, but from what we choose to overlook or dismiss.
In this quote, Albert Einstein reflects on the wisdom of Henry David Thoreau, emphasizing that real richness lies in one's ability to enjoy life without being burdened by material possessions. It suggests that a person's wealth is not measured by their acquisitions, but rather by their ability to live simply and focus on what truly matters, illustrating a profound understanding of contentment and priorities in life.
In practice
In a discussion about minimalism, this quote can highlight the benefits of letting go of material possessions.
I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.
To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
Never make forecasts, especially about future.
Ideas are useless unless used. The proof of their value is in their implementation. Until then, they are in limbo.
Prudent is he who can keep silent that part of truth which may be untimely, and by not speaking it, does not spoil the truth of what he said.
Remember that you own what happened to you. If your childhood was less than ideal, you may have been raised thinking that if you told the truth about what really went on in your family, a long bony white finger would emerge from a cloud and point to you, while a chilling voice thundered, "We *told* you not to tell." But that was then. Just put down on paper everything you can remember now about your parents and siblings and relatives and neighbors, and we will deal with libel later on.
Health, power, riches, possessions and honor can be snatched from you, but your will is irrevocably your own.
I expect you have seen someone put a a lighted match to a bit of newspaper which is propped up in a grate against an unlit fire. And for a second nothing seems to have happened; and then you notice a tiny steak of flame creeping along the edged of the newspaper. It was like that now.
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