QuoteProject
I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contained, I stand and look at them long and long.
Walt Whitman
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a longing for the simplicity and tranquility found in the company of animals compared to human complexities.

Walt Whitman's quote reflects a deep appreciation for the serene nature of animals, suggesting that he finds solace and fulfillment in their presence. By describing animals as 'placid' and 'self-contained', he highlights their ability to exist without the emotional turbulence that often characterizes human relationships, indicating a desire to escape from human societal pressures and embrace a simpler, more harmonious existence.

Themes

AnimalsNaturePeaceSolaceSimplicity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about environmental conservation, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of protecting animal habitats.

More from Walt Whitman

All music is is what awakes from you when you are reminded by the instruments.
Walt WhitmanRead
Did you, too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name? I say democracy is only of use there that it may pass on and come to its flower and fruit in manners, in the highest forms of interaction between people, and their beliefs - in religion, literature, colleges and schools- democracy in all public and private life.
Walt WhitmanRead
In the confusion we stay with each other, happy to be together, speaking without uttering a single word.
Walt WhitmanRead
A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.
Walt WhitmanRead
Now, dearest comrade, lift me to your face,_x000D_ _x000D_ We must separate awhileHere! take from my lips this kiss._x000D_ _x000D_ Whoever you are, I give it especially to you;_x000D_ _x000D_ So long!And I hope we shall meet again.
Walt WhitmanRead
And whoever walks a furlong without sympathy walks to his own funeral drest in his shroud.
Walt WhitmanRead

Similar quotes

Necessity is the mistress and guide of nature.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
It is fortunate, I think, that nature is not bounded by human reason and by laboratory work and experimentation, for by the laws of pure reason and by microscopic investigation, it might easily have been proved, long before this, that children could not be born.
Maria MontessoriRead
Giddy grasshopper Take care...do not leap and crush These pearls of dewdrop
Kobayashi IssaRead
Only as far as the masters of the world have called in nature to their aid, can they reach the height of magnificence. This is the meaning of their hanging-gardens, villas, garden-houses, islands, parks, and preserves.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Let us permit nature to have her way. She understands her business better than we do.
Michel De MontaigneRead
No one is an environmentalist by birth. It is only your path, your life, your travels that awaken you.
Yann Arthus-BertrandRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.