Quote by Henry David Thoreau

I did not know that mankind were suffering for want of gold. I have seen a little of it. I know that it is very malleable, but not so malleable as wit. A grain of gold will gild a great surface, but not so much as a grain of wisdom.

I did not know that mankind were suffering for want of gold.

Summary

This quote highlights the speaker's realization that the pursuit of material wealth, specifically gold, is not as essential as the pursuit of wisdom. The speaker suggests that while gold possesses some usefulness in its malleability and ability to cover a large area, it pales in comparison to the power and value of wisdom. The quote conveys the notion that intellectual and insightful attributes, represented by wisdom, hold greater significance and are more meaningful in improving the condition of humanity than mere material possessions.

Topics

Wisdom Life Suffering Gold Wit

By Henry David Thoreau

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