None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Books are to be distinguished by the grandeur of their topics even more than by the manner in which they are treated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The significance of a book lies more in its subject matter than in its writing style.
Henry David Thoreau emphasizes that the true value of a book is determined by the importance and breadth of its themes rather than the skillful execution of its writing. He suggests that profound ideas can shine through regardless of the author's style, and that the topics themselves should captivate readers and provoke thought.
Themes
BooksTopicsWritingValueIdeas
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about literature, one might say, 'As Thoreau noted, the greatness of books is rooted in their themes.'
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
How do you explain to somebody who doesn't understand that you don't build a library to read. A library is a resource. Something you go to, for reference, as and when. But also something you simply look at, because it gives you succour, answers to some idea of who you are or, more to the point, who you would like to be, who you will be once you own every book you need to own.
Howard JacobsonRead
Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window.
William FaulknerRead
The PhD system is the real root of the evil of academic snobbery. People who have PhDs consider themselves a priesthood, and inventors generally don't have PhDs.
Freeman DysonRead
Most ballet teachers in the United States are terrible. If they were in medicine, everyone would be poisoned.
George BalanchineRead
I cannot imagine the type of sinister fiend who would be against the library. A library essentially says, 'Look, here is some free information that will enrich your life. Read it on your own time. I trust that you will bring it back when you are finished.' It might be the most civilized, forward-thinking institution in America. Perhaps the only one, in fact.
Chuck KlostermanRead
Young cat! If you keep Your eyes open enough, Oh, the stuff you will learn! The most wonderful stuff!
Dr. SeussRead