Skip to content

Every one should keep a mental wastepaper basket and the…

“Every one should keep a mental wastepaper basket and the older he grows the more things he will consign to it - torn up to irrecoverable tatters.” quote by Samuel Butler
Download Open image
““Every one should keep a mental wastepaper basket and the older he grows the more things he will consign to it - torn up to irrecoverable tatters.””

Samuel Butler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

One should discard outdated thoughts as they age, keeping a mental trash bin for useless ideas.

In simple terms: Discard old ideas as you age.

Key Takeaway

Regularly clear mental clutter.

Themes

growth memory self‑improvement

Mood

thoughtful pragmatic

Type

advice reflective

When to use this quote

  • decision making
  • learning
  • creative work

Key Concepts

cognitive psychology philosophy habits

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mental clutter do you keep?
  • How often do you review your thoughts?
A Different Perspective

Some discarded ideas may still hold value.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Samuel Butler

Explore all 355 Samuel Butler quotes

More Wastepaper Basket quotes

Browse all 6 Wastepaper Basket quotes