America Quote by Henry David Thoreau
““Perhaps this was the first instance of that quiet way of "speaking for" a place not yet occupied, or at least not improved as much as it may be, which their descendants have practised, and are still practising so extensively. Not Any seems to have been the sole proprietor of all America before the Yankees [...] At any rate, I know that if you hold a thing unjustly, there will surely be the devil to pay at last.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Walden, Henry David Thoreau, 1854
Holding something unjustly invites inevitable consequences; moral accountability cannot be avoided.
In simple terms: Unjust ownership leads to eventual reckoning.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and correct unfair claims.
Themes
justice
accountability
consequences
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- property disputes
- environmental stewardship
- social justice
- personal integrity
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What unjust claim are you maintaining?
- How can you ensure fairness in your actions?
A Different Perspective
May overlook systemic factors that complicate moral judgments.
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