I have thoroughly tried school-keeping, and found that my…
“I have thoroughly tried school-keeping, and found that my expenses were in proportion, or rather out of proportion, to my income,for I was obliged to dress and train, not to say think and believe, accordingly, and I lost my time into the bargain. As I did not teach for the good of my fellow-men, but simply for a livelihood, this was a failure. I have tried trade; but I found that it would take ten years to get under way in that, and that then I should probably be on my way to the devil. I was actually afraid that I might by that time be doing what is called a good business.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Thoreau critiques conventional work—teaching and trade—as misaligned with personal values, leading to wasted time and moral compromise.
In simple terms: Critique of conventional labor
Key Takeaway
Work should align with purpose
Themes
individualism
materialism
moral integrity
self-reliance
critique of society
Mood
reflective
critical
melancholic
Type
philosophical
social critique
When to use this quote
- career dissatisfaction
- ethical dilemma in profession
- search for meaningful work
- conflict between income and values
Key Concepts
authenticity
time value
ethical livelihood
social expectations
Practical Applications
- career counseling
- personal development workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one balance livelihood with personal ethics?
- What alternatives exist to conventional employment?