None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
I put a piece of paper under my pillow, and when I could not sleep I wrote in the dark.
Interpretation
Writing can be a remedy for sleeplessness and a way to process thoughts.
This quote by Henry David Thoreau emphasizes the therapeutic nature of writing, especially during times of restlessness or insomnia. By placing a piece of paper under his pillow, Thoreau suggests that he used writing as a tool to clarify his thoughts and feelings, illustrating the transformative power of expression in the quiet moments of the night.
In practice
Sharing this quote during a writing workshop to inspire participants.
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
Great talents are the most lovely and often the most dangerous fruits on the tree of humanity. They hang upon the most slender twigs that are easily snapped off.
Stand guard at the door of your mind.
Failure is a great teacher and, if you are open to it, every mistake has a lesson to offer.
If you evade suffering you also evade the chance of joy. Pleasure you may get, or pleasures, but you will not be fulfilled. You will not know what it is to come home.
Desires make slaves out of kings and patience makes kings out of slaves.
I think that's the single best piece of advice: constantly think about how you could be doing things better and questioning yourself.
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