Skip to content

Age Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“How earthy old people become --moldy as the grave! Their wisdom smacks of the earth. There is no foretaste of immortality in it. They remind me of earthworms and mole crickets.” quote by Henry David Thoreau
Download Open image
“How earthy old people become --moldy as the grave! Their wisdom smacks of the earth. There is no foretaste of immortality in it. They remind me of earthworms and mole crickets.”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

Source Book: Walden, Henry David Thoreau, 1854

The quote critiques aging people as being overly attached to material, earthly concerns, lacking spiritual insight.

In simple terms: Old age can become stagnant and materialistic.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper meaning beyond physical existence.

Themes

mortality spirituality aging

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • philosophical discourse
  • literary critique

Key Concepts

materialism existentialism humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance respect for elders with spiritual growth?
  • What practices foster inner wisdom beyond physical concerns?
3.1 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Henry David Thoreau

Explore all 3,376 Henry David Thoreau quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,948 Age quotes