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About this quote

What does it mean?
We should not live for idle amusement or chase sensational events.
In plain terms
Avoid seeking excitement for its own sake.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize meaningful activities over frivolous thrills.

Where it applies

  • leisure time
  • social media
  • celebrity culture

Putting it to work

  • choose purposeful hobbies
  • limit sensational media

Questions to consider

  • What am I truly seeking in my leisure?
  • How can I balance fun and purpose?

Another view

Some amusement can provide necessary relaxation.

More from Henry David Thoreau

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  2. It is so hard to forget what it is worse than useless to remember! If I am to be a thoroughfare, I prefer that it be of the mountain-brooks, the Parnassian str…

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  3. I do not know but it is too much to read one newspaper a week. I have tried it recently, and for so long it seems to me that I have not dwelt in my native regi…

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