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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…” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“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.”

Henry David Thoreau

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.

Key Takeaway

Preserve space for future possibilities.

Themes

nature balance future‑planning

Mood

reflective philosophical

Type

environmental ethical

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • conservation policies
  • personal life choices

Key Concepts

sustainability ecology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How much of your life should be left “wild”?
  • What benefits arise from untended spaces?
A Different Perspective

May overlook immediate needs.

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