I would not have every man nor every part of a man…
“I would not have every man nor every part of a man cultivated, any more than I would have every acre of earth cultivated: part will be tillage, but the greater part will be meadow and forest, not only serving an immediate use, but preparing a mould against a distant future, by the annual decay of the vegetation which it supports.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates leaving parts of humanity untouched, allowing natural growth and future benefits beyond immediate utility.
In simple terms: Not everything needs to be fully used; some should remain wild.
Preserve space for future possibilities.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- conservation policies
- personal life choices
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How much of your life should be left “wild”?
- What benefits arise from untended spaces?
May overlook immediate needs.