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The gentle rain which waters my beans and keeps me in the…

“The gentle rain which waters my beans and keeps me in the house today is not drear and melancholy, but good for me too. Though it prevents my hoeing them, it is of far more worth than my hoeing. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in…” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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“The gentle rain which waters my beans and keeps me in the house today is not drear and melancholy, but good for me too. Though it prevents my hoeing them, it is of far more worth than my hoeing. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, would be good for me, too.”

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.

Rain may hinder work but nurtures the land, ultimately benefiting the farmer more than immediate labor.

In simple terms: Rain delays work but benefits crops.

Key Takeaway

Value long‑term natural benefits over short‑term inconvenience.

Themes

patience nature agrarian wisdom

Mood

contemplative calm

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • farming
  • gardening
  • rainy days
  • crop cycles
  • environmental stewardship

Key Concepts

sustainability ecology long‑term planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • What natural processes support your goals?
  • When should you accept short‑term loss for long‑term gain?
A Different Perspective

Too much rain can damage crops; balance is needed.

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