It is true, I never assisted the sun materially in his rising; but, doubt not, it was of the last importance only to be present at it. 1
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- I did not help the sun rise, but being present at it mattered most.
- In plain terms
- Being present at sunrise matters more than helping it rise.
- What can you take from it?
- Value presence over trying to control events.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does being present achieve?
- When is action more important than presence?
Another view
Presence alone may not affect outcomes.
More from Henry David Thoreau
Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.
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