Quote by Henry David Thoreau

The earth is not a mere fragment of dead history, stratum upon stratum like the leaves of a book, to be studied by geologists and antiquaries chiefly, but living poetry like the leaves of a tree, which precede flowers and fruit -- not a fossil earth, but a living earth; compared with whose great central life all animal and vegetable life is merely parasitic. Its throes will heave our exuviate from their graves.

The earth is not a mere fragment of dead history, stratum up

Summary

This quote emphasizes the significance of the Earth as a living entity rather than a mere historical artifact. It suggests that the Earth is not just something to be studied by scientists and historians, but rather a vibrant and poetic source of life. The quote further portrays all animal and plant life as dependent on the Earth's central life force, highlighting the Earth's essential existence. It implies that the Earth's powerful movements and changes will eventually awaken and release everything that lies dormant within it.

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By Henry David Thoreau

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