Skip to content

Brave Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“We say justly that the weak person is flat, for, like all flat substances, he does not stand in the direction of his strength, that is, on his edge, but affords a convenient surface to put upon. He slides all the way through life… But the brave man is a perfect sphere, which cannot fall on its…” quote by Henry David Thoreau
Download Open image
“We say justly that the weak person is flat, for, like all flat substances, he does not stand in the direction of his strength, that is, on his edge, but affords a convenient surface to put upon. He slides all the way through life… But the brave man is a perfect sphere, which cannot fall on its flat side and is equally strong every way.”

Henry David Thoreau

About This Quote

Source Book: Walden by Henry David Thoreau, 1854

Strength lies in versatility; a person who can adapt in any direction is resilient, unlike one who only offers a single, limited utility.

In simple terms: Adaptability equals strength.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate flexibility.

Themes

resilience adaptability strength

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • leadership
  • team dynamics
  • crisis management

Key Concepts

philosophy metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you develop flexibility in your skill set?
  • What situations reveal your strongest side?
A Different Perspective

A rigid approach can still succeed in stable environments.

4.4 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Henry David Thoreau

Explore all 3,376 Henry David Thoreau quotes

More Brave quotes

Browse all 3,314 Brave quotes