---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If it is necessary, omit one bridge over…"
description: "\"If it is necessary, omit one bridge over the river, go round a little there, and throw one arch at least over the darker gulf of ignorance which surrou..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a94/henry-david-thoreau-20_arches_if-it-is-necessary-omit-one-bridge-over_2173030.jpg"
---

#  If it is necessary, omit one bridge over the river, go…

![“If it is necessary, omit one bridge over the river, go round a little there, and throw one arch at least over the darker gulf of ignorance which surrounds us.” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a94/henry-david-thoreau-20_arches_if-it-is-necessary-omit-one-bridge-over_2173030.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a94/henry-david-thoreau-20_arches_if-it-is-necessary-omit-one-bridge-over_2173030.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a94/henry-david-thoreau-20_arches_if-it-is-necessary-omit-one-bridge-over_2173030.jpg)

> “If it is necessary, omit one bridge over the river, go round a little there, and throw one arch at least over the darker gulf of ignorance which surrounds us.”

[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.

When faced with ignorance, we should seek alternative routes and create bridges of understanding rather than forcing a single path.

**In simple terms:** Find new ways to cross ignorance.

Key Takeaway

Seek creative solutions to ignorance.

Themes

knowledge ignorance creativity adaptation

Mood

reflective inspirational thoughtful

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- education reform
- public discourse
- personal growth
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

critical thinking problem solving philosophical inquiry

Questions to Reflect On

- What “bridges” can you build to address ignorance in your community?
- How do you decide when to go around a problem versus confronting it directly?

A Different Perspective

Complex problems may resist simple fixes, requiring patience and multiple approaches.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Bridges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bridges/) [Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance/) [Rivers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rivers/)

## Related quotes

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> [History fades into fable; fact becomes clouded with doubt and controversy; the inscription molders from the tablet: the statue falls from the pedestal. Columns,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/washington-irving/history-fades-into-fable-fact-becomes-clouded-with-doubt-and/)

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