None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
The words which express our faith and piety are not definite; yet they are significant and fragrant like frankincense to superior natures.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Words about faith and belief may lack precision, but they carry deep significance and beauty.
Henry David Thoreau suggests that while the language used to describe our faith and spirituality may not be exact or clear-cut, it holds great importance and can be perceived as beautiful, much like the fragrant qualities of frankincense that appeal to those with elevated sensibilities. This reflects the idea that the emotional and spiritual resonance of words can transcend their literal meanings.
Themes
FaithWordsSignificancePietySpiritualityBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of spirituality, one might use this quote to highlight the deep meaning behind our expressions of faith.
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.
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Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
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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.
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That grand old poem called Winter
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