The word which gives the key to the national vice is waste. And people who are wasteful are not wise, neither can they remain young and vigorous. In order to transmute energy to higher and more subtle levels one must first conserve it.

Summary

This quote suggests that the root of a national vice lies in the concept of wastefulness. It claims that people who are wasteful are lacking wisdom and cannot maintain their youthful energy and vitality. To reach higher and more refined levels of energy, the quote posits that conserving energy is crucial. In other words, before energy can be transformed and redirected, it must be preserved and not squandered. This quote advocates for the importance of prudence, resourcefulness, and the careful management of resources at both personal and national levels.

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