Why should we be in such desperate hast to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.

Summary

This quote by Henry David Thoreau suggests that society's obsession with success and relentless pursuits may not always be meaningful or fulfilling. Thoreau questions the need for desperation and the pressure to conform to societal standards of achievement. He posits that if someone deviates from the usual path and doesn't keep pace with others, it may be because they possess a unique perspective or follow their own distinct passions and values. Thoreau encourages embracing individuality and marching to the beat of a different drum, rejecting the notion that success is solely defined by societal norms.