None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Strive for a purpose beyond mere goodness; aim to contribute positively to the world.
This quote encourages individuals to look beyond conventional notions of morality and to pursue a deeper purpose. Thoreau suggests that simply being good is not enough; one should also aim to be good for a meaningful cause, emphasizing the importance of active engagement and contribution to society.
Themes
MoralityPurposeGoodnessServiceContribution
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about community service.
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.
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
Henry David ThoreauRead
Similar quotes
You know, I once read an interesting book which said that, uh, most people lost in the wilds, they, they die of shame. Yeah, see, they die of shame. 'What did I do wrong? How could I have gotten myself into this?' And so they sit there and they... die. Because they didn't do the one thing that would save their lives. Thinking.
David MametRead
Vanity is something that will only get in the way of doing your best work, and ultimately if you're truly vain you care more about your work than how you look in your work. I actually consider myself a pretty vain guy when it comes to that.
Philip Seymour HoffmanRead
If you're unhappy with what you've had over the last 50 years, you have an unfortunate misappraisal of life. It's as good as it gets, and it's very likely to get worse.
Charlie MungerRead
I don't let go of concepts -I meet them with understanding. Then they let go of me.
Byron KatieRead
There is no slavery but ignorance.
Robert Green IngersollRead
Never make a promise in haste.
Mahatma GandhiRead