At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be infinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Walden, “Spring”; Complete public-domain sentence. Full surrounding paragraph about unexplored nature and the human need for mystery read. Keeps the tension between inquiry and wildness; not a modern scientific claim of permanent unknowability.
- Walden, “Spring”
More from Henry David Thoreau
See allIn wildness is the preservation of the world.
Henry David ThoreauIf a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.Henry David ThoreauIf you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.Henry David ThoreauThe mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.Henry David ThoreauOur life is frittered away by detail.Henry David ThoreauRather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.Henry David Thoreau
Henry David ThoreauIf a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.Henry David ThoreauIf you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.Henry David ThoreauThe mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.Henry David ThoreauOur life is frittered away by detail.Henry David ThoreauRather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.Henry David ThoreauMore inspiration
See allYou gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.
Eleanor RooseveltNo one can make you feel inferior without your consent.Eleanor RooseveltLittle strokes fell great oaks.
Benjamin FranklinEnergy and persistence conquer all things.Benjamin FranklinWell done is better than well said.Benjamin FranklinIf there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Frederick Douglass
Eleanor RooseveltNo one can make you feel inferior without your consent.Eleanor RooseveltLittle strokes fell great oaks.Benjamin FranklinEnergy and persistence conquer all things.Benjamin FranklinWell done is better than well said.Benjamin FranklinIf there is no struggle, there is no progress.Frederick Douglass