---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I rejoice that horses and steers have to…"
description: "\"“I rejoice that horses and steers have to be broken before they can be made the slaves of men, and that men themselves have some wild oats still left t..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f3/henry-david-thoreau-20_men_i-rejoice-that-horses-and-steers-have-to_2242529.jpg"
---

#  I rejoice that horses and steers have to be broken before…

![“I rejoice that horses and steers have to be broken before they can be made the slaves of men, and that men themselves have some wild oats still left to sow before they become submissive members of society.” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f3/henry-david-thoreau-20_men_i-rejoice-that-horses-and-steers-have-to_2242529.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f3/henry-david-thoreau-20_men_i-rejoice-that-horses-and-steers-have-to_2242529.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f3/henry-david-thoreau-20_men_i-rejoice-that-horses-and-steers-have-to_2242529.jpg)

> ““I rejoice that horses and steers have to be broken before they can be made the slaves of men, and that men themselves have some wild oats still left to sow before they become submissive members of society.””

[Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He celebrates the need to tame nature and human impulses, suggesting that both restraint and wildness are essential for society.

**In simple terms:** Both control and untamed energy shape civilization.

Key Takeaway

Balance order with freedom.

Themes

nature society human nature control wildness

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

- environmental stewardship
- personal discipline
- social reform
- creative expression

Key Concepts

civilization discipline freedom instinct

Questions to Reflect On

- How much wildness is healthy for a community?
- Can restraint become oppression?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on control can stifle individuality.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Slaves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/slaves/)

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