Quote by Henry David Thoreau
Men sometimes speak as if the study of the classics would at length make way for more modern and practical studies; but the adventurous student will always study classics, in whatever language they may be written and however ancient they may be. For what are the classics but the noblest recorded thoughts of man? They are the only oracles which are not decayed, and there are such answers to the most modern inquiry in them as Delphi and Dodona never gave. We might as well omit to study Nature because she is old. To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a noble exercise, and one that will task the reader more than any exercise which the customs of the day esteem.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the timeless value of studying the classics. It challenges the notion that classical literature is outdated and should be replaced by more modern subjects. The quote suggests that the classics contain profound insights and wisdom that remain relevant to contemporary life. It also highlights the importance of reading with a discerning and thoughtful approach, as engaging with true books can be intellectually demanding and enriching. Just as one would not disregard the study of nature because of its age, the quote argues against dismissing the classics based on their antiquity.
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