None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Some would find fault with the morning, if they ever got up early enough.. The fault find faults even in Paradise.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that some people will always find something negative, regardless of circumstance or setting.
In this quote, Thoreau expresses the idea that individuals who have a tendency to criticize will always manage to find faults, even in seemingly perfect situations like Paradise. It highlights a universal truth about human nature where negativity can overshadow the beauty of life, suggesting that one's perspective greatly influences their experience of the world.
In practice
During a motivational speech about gratitude, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of perspective.
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
Now this relaxation of the mind from work consists on playful words or deeds. Therefore it becomes a wise and virtuous man to have recourse to such things at times.
I realized I was more convincing to myself and to the people who were listening when I actually said what I thought, versus what I thought people wanted to hear me say.
I'm not out to preach. I just live my own life. I'm very happy if I can help somebody - that's wonderful. But it's up to them what they want to think about it or what they want to take away; it's their business, not mine.
I do not dwell on dreams I know how soon a dream becomes an expectation How can I have expectations? Look at me, No, Captain, Look at me, Look at me!
Life is short and the time of death is uncertain; so apply yourself to meditation. Avoid doing evil, and acquire merit, to the best of your ability, even at the cost of life itself. In short: Act so that you have no cause to be ashamed of yourselves and hold fast to this rule.
When people jump on your mistakes, don't hide from them; let people know that you're human, too.
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