Quote by Henry David Thoreau
If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen.
Summary
This quote highlights society's skewed perception of value and productivity. It suggests that someone who appreciates and spends time in nature, simply because they love it, may be seen as lazy or unproductive. On the other hand, a person who exploits and destroys nature for financial gain is often praised as hardworking and ambitious. The quote challenges the notion that profit-driven actions are inherently superior, while emphasizing the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural world.