Man is the only animal which esteems itself rich in proportion to the number and voracity of its parasites.

Summary

This quote, attributed to American philosopher and naturalist Henry David Thoreau, suggests that humans have a tendency to measure their wealth and worth based on the number and intensity of their indulgences and dependencies, much like parasites. Thoreau criticizes this mindset, highlighting the irony that while most animals strive for self-sufficiency and independence, humans often consider themselves successful or important based on their ability to acquire and sustain material possessions or relationships, even if they rely heavily on them. Ultimately, the quote provokes reflection on the value we assign to material wealth and societal status in defining our own worth.

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