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They make their pride," he said, "in making their dinner…

“They make their pride," he said, "in making their dinner cost much; I make my pride in making my dinner cost little." When asked at table what dish he preferred, he answered, "The nearest.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
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““They make their pride," he said, "in making their dinner cost much; I make my pride in making my dinner cost little." When asked at table what dish he preferred, he answered, "The nearest.””

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.

He contrasts pride in frugality with extravagance, valuing modesty over lavish spending.

In simple terms: Pride in cheap meals versus expensive ones.

Key Takeaway

Value modest living.

Themes

pride frugality values

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

essay maxim

When to use this quote

  • budgeting
  • simple living
  • ethical consumption

Key Concepts

minimalism economic philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does frugality reflect personal values?
  • Can modesty be socially limiting?
A Different Perspective

May ignore quality of life considerations.

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