Quote by Henry David Thoreau

To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but to so love wisdom as to live according to its dictates a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity and trust.

To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, n

Summary

This quote emphasizes that being a philosopher is not solely about having profound thoughts or being recognized as the leader of a philosophical movement. Instead, it suggests that being a philosopher entails a deep love for wisdom, to the extent that one lives their life in alignment with its principles. This way of life is characterized by simplicity, independence, magnanimity (generosity), and trust. In other words, a true philosopher not only ponders profound ideas but also embodies and applies wisdom in every aspect of their existence.

By Henry David Thoreau

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

No, I am your father.

No, I am your father.

The meaning of life... I think the meaning of life is, I thi

The meaning of life... I think the meaning of life is, I think it's love.

It is the task of radical thought, since the world is given

It is the task of radical thought, since the world is given to us unintelligibly, to make it more unintelligible, more enigmatic, more fabulous.

Jean Baudrillard

Historian -- an unsuccessful novelist.

Historian -- an unsuccessful novelist.

The incentive to ambition is the love of power.

The incentive to ambition is the love of power.

William Hazlitt

I have a responsibility to nurture and shepherd my talent an

I have a responsibility to nurture and shepherd my talent and when I'm living the parts of my life not related to that I feel I have the right to be left alone.

But it's important, while we are supporting lessons in respe

But it's important, while we are supporting lessons in respecting others, to remember that many of our youngest kids need to learn to respect themselves. You learn your worth from the way you are treated.

We might have been - these are but common words, and yet the

We might have been - these are but common words, and yet they make the sum of life's bewailing.

Letitia Elizabeth Landon

Accuracy is paramount in every detail of a work of history.

Accuracy is paramount in every detail of a work of history. Here's my rule: Ask yourself, 'Did this thing happen?' If the answer is yes, then it's historical. Then ask, 'Did this thing happen precisely this way?' If the answer is yes, then it's history if the answer is no, not precisely this way, then it's historical drama.

The great man is he who does not lose his child's-heart.

The great man is he who does not lose his child's-heart.

Listening to my regular favourites - Mozart, Beethoven, Brah

Listening to my regular favourites - Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and so on - I always feel, quite misguidedly, that nothing can be too bad if such beauty and brilliance exists in the world.

Capitalism has always been a failure for the lower classes.

Capitalism has always been a failure for the lower classes. It is now beginning to fail for the middle classes.