None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
Henry David ThoreauRead
It is remarkable how long men will believe in the bottomlessness of a pond without taking the trouble to sound it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often have unwavering beliefs based on assumptions without seeking the truth.
Henry David Thoreau's quote highlights the tendency of individuals to hold onto beliefs or ideas that may not be founded in reality. It suggests that many people will express unwavering faith in certain notions, like the depth of a pond, without ever investigating or challenging those beliefs. This serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and exploring the depths of our beliefs before accepting them as truth.
Themes
BeliefTruthWisdomAssumptionsExploration
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about environmental conservation, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for deeper understanding.
More from Henry David Thoreau
All quotes βThrough want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
Henry David ThoreauRead
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
Henry David ThoreauRead
Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
Henry David ThoreauRead
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.
Henry David ThoreauRead
That grand old poem called Winter
Henry David ThoreauRead
Similar quotes
Fear, hatred, and suspicion narrow your mind - compassion opens it.
Dalai LamaRead
Little strokes fell great oaks.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Saint Paul asks his disciple Timothy to "aim at faith" (2 Tim 2:22) with the same constancy as when he was a boy (cf. 2 Tim 3:15). This invitation is directed to each of us, that none of us grow lazy in the faith. It is the lifelong companion that makes it possible to perceive, ever anew, the marvels that God works for us.
Pope Benedict XviRead
An inch of time on the sundial is worth more than a foot of jade.
ConfuciusRead
However tight things are, you still need to have the big picture at the forefront of your mind.
Richard BransonRead
It is easy to be swept away by some overwhelming feeling, so it's helpful to remember that any stressful feeling is like a compassionate alarm clock that says, "You're caught in the dream."
Byron KatieRead