None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Trade and commerce, if they were not made of Indian rubber, would never manage to bounce over the obstacles which legislators are continually putting in their way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Thoreau suggests that trade and commerce are resilient and adaptable, able to overcome challenges posed by regulations and legislation.
In this quote, Thoreau uses the metaphor of Indian rubber to illustrate the flexibility and resilience of trade and commerce. He implies that despite the numerous obstacles that legislators create, such as regulations and laws, the dynamic nature of commerce allows it to recover and thrive, much like rubber bounces back after being stretched or compressed. It highlights the notion that while legislators may impose restrictions, the spirit of business is inherently robust and capable of overcoming hurdles.
Themes
TradeCommerceResilienceLegislationObstacles
In practice
Example use cases
In a business conference discussing the impact of regulations on startups.
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