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A broad margin of leisure is as beautiful in a man's life as in a book.
Henry David Thoreau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Having ample free time is essential for a fulfilling life, just as a wide margin enhances the beauty of a book.

Henry David Thoreau's quote emphasizes the importance of leisure time in a person's life. Just as a book is aesthetically pleasing with its broad margins that provide space for reflection and annotation, a life enriched with leisure allows for personal growth, contemplation, and enjoyment, making it more beautiful and meaningful.

Themes

LeisureTimeLifeBeautyReflection

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about work-life balance, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of downtime.

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None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
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Through 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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That grand old poem called Winter
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