Books Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“But I can assure my readers that Walden has a reasonably tight bottom at a not unreasonable, though at an unusual, depth. I fathomed it easily with a cod-line and a stone weighing about a pound and a half, and could tell accurately when the stoneleft the bottom, by having to pull so much harder before the water got underneath to help me. The greatest depth was exactly one hundred and two feet; to which may be added the five feet which it has risen since, making one hundred and seven. This is a remarkable depth for so smallan area; yet not an inch of it can be spared by the imagination.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Walden, 1854
The measured depth of a small pond illustrates how precise observation reveals hidden details, emphasizing the value of careful attention.
In simple terms: Careful observation reveals hidden depth.
Key Takeaway
Observe details closely.
Themes
observation
detail
precision
nature study
Mood
contemplative
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- field research
- personal reflection
- educational settings
Key Concepts
scientific method
mindfulness
environmental awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What small details have you overlooked?
- How does meticulous observation affect your decisions?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on minutiae may cause missing broader context.
