None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little.
Interpretation
Thoreau values simplicity and frugality over extravagance and social status.
In this quote, Thoreau contrasts two approaches to life: one that finds worth in expensive, extravagant dinners, and another that derives satisfaction from being frugal and resourceful. He emphasizes the idea that true pride comes not from material wealth or the appearance of affluence, but rather from the ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures without incurring unnecessary costs.
In practice
In a discussion about budgeting and meal planning, this quote could highlight the benefits of frugality.
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
Don't you know your imperfections is a wonderful blessing, from heaven is where you got it from
Protein was the most valued ingredient 250 years ago: It was the rarest thing. Now the rarest thing we have is time: time to cook and time to eat.
Out of anger comes controversy, out of controversy comes conversation, out of conversation comes action.
Sympathy with joy intensifies the sum of sympathy in the world, sympathy with pain does not really diminish the amount of pain.
When what you read elevates your mind and fills you with noble aspirations, look for no other rule by which to judge a book; it is good, and is the work of a master-hand.
There's something fascinating about seeing something you don't like at first but directly know you will loveβin time. People are that way, all through life. You come against a personality, and it questions yours. You shy away but know there are gratifying secrets there, and the half-open door is often more exciting than the wide.
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