None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
They will wait, well disposed, for others to remedy evil, that they may no longer have have it to regret.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a tendency for people to wait for others to take action against wrongdoing rather than taking initiative themselves.
Henry David Thoreau's quote highlights a common human behavior where individuals hope for others to take charge and address problems, particularly in the face of moral dilemmas. It suggests that instead of waiting passively for someone else to take action, individuals should take responsibility to remedy wrongdoing themselves, which ultimately leads to a more meaningful and regret-free life.
Themes
ActionResponsibilityEvilRegretIndifference
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting about local issues, this quote can inspire residents to take action rather than waiting for officials to solve their problems.
More from Henry David Thoreau
All quotes →Through 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
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