--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: we think that if rail-fences are pulled…" description: "\"“we think that if rail-fences are pulled down, and stone-walls piled up on our farms, bounds are henceforth set to our lives and our fates decided. If ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/587/henry-david-thoreau-20_land-infernal_we-think-that-if-rail-fences-are-pulled_2544420.jpg" --- # we think that if rail-fences are pulled down, and… ![“we think that if rail-fences are pulled down, and stone-walls piled up on our farms, bounds are henceforth set to our lives and our fates decided. If you are chosen town-clerk, forsooth, you cannot go to Tierra del Fuego this summer: but you may go to the land of infernal fire nevertheless. The…” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/587/henry-david-thoreau-20_land-infernal_we-think-that-if-rail-fences-are-pulled_2544420.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/587/henry-david-thoreau-20_land-infernal_we-think-that-if-rail-fences-are-pulled_2544420.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/587/henry-david-thoreau-20_land-infernal_we-think-that-if-rail-fences-are-pulled_2544420.jpg) > ““we think that if rail-fences are pulled down, and stone-walls piled up on our farms, bounds are henceforth set to our lives and our fates decided. If you are chosen town-clerk, forsooth, you cannot go to Tierra del Fuego this summer: but you may go to the land of infernal fire nevertheless. The universe is wider than our views of it.”” [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 societal constraints tighten, individuals feel trapped, yet the universe remains vast beyond our limited perspective. **In simple terms:** Restrictions feel confining, but the world is larger than our view. Key Takeaway Seek broader horizons despite constraints. Themes freedom individualism perspective Mood reflective inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal growth - political activism - travel - creative thinking Key Concepts existentialism social contract self‑determination Questions to Reflect On - What constraints shape your life? - How can you expand your worldview? A Different Perspective Overcoming systemic barriers can be difficult. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Forsooth Tierra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forsooth-tierra-1462900/) [Fuego Summer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fuego-summer-1462898/) [Infernal Universe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/infernal-universe-1462896/) [Land Infernal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/land-infernal-1462894/) [Wider Views](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wider-views-1462902/) ## Related quotes > [If you are chosen town clerk, forsooth, you cannot go to Tierra del Fuego this summer; but you may go to the land of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/if-you-are-chosen-town-clerk-forsooth-you-cannot-go-to-tierra-del/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [The universe is wider than our views of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/the-universe-is-wider-than-our-views-of-it/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [Creating a new theory is not like destroying an old barn and erecting a skyscraper in its place. 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Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/as-for-doing-good-that-is-one-of-the-professions-which-is-full/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [A traveler who looks at things with an impartial eye may see what the oldest inhabitant has not observed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/a-traveler-who-looks-at-things-with-an-impartial-eye-may-see-what-the/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [In proportion as our inward life fails, we go more constantly and desperately to the post office. 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