None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
I believe that the mind can be permanently profaned by the habit of attending to trivial things, so that all our thoughts shall be tinged with triviality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the dangers of focusing on trivial matters, suggesting that it can degrade the quality of our thinking.
Henry David Thoreau warns against the detrimental effects of fixating on insignificant details. He suggests that constant attention to trivialities corrupts the mind, leading to a life devoid of depth and meaning, as our thoughts become influenced by the inconsequential rather than the profound. This highlights the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life to maintain clarity and wisdom.
Themes
MindTrivialityThoughtsAttentionDepth
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar about mindfulness, this quote could illustrate the importance of focusing on what matters.
More from Henry David Thoreau
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