Advice Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“The true reformer does not want time, nor money, nor coöperation, nor advice. What is time but the stuff delay is made of? And depend upon it, our virtue will not live on the interest of our money. He expects no income, but outgoes; so soon as we begin to count the cost, the cost begins. And as for advice, the information floating in the atmosphere of society is as evanescent and unserviceable to him as gossamer for clubs of Hercules.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Walden, Henry David Thoreau, 1854
Reformers should reject reliance on external resources like time, money, cooperation, and advice, focusing instead on inner virtue.
In simple terms: True reformers avoid dependence on external aids.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate self‑reliance and inner virtue.
Themes
self‑reliance
virtue
independence
critique of materialism
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- activism
- leadership
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethical autonomy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What external resources truly hinder your growth?
- How can you balance self‑reliance with community support?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on self‑reliance can ignore necessary collaboration.
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
