Here while I lie beneath this walnut bough, What care I for the Greeks or for Troy town, If juster battles are enacted now Between the ants upon this hummock's crown?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- While lying under a walnut tree, I care less about ancient wars and more about the tiny battles of ants on the hill.
- In plain terms
- I care more about ant battles than ancient wars.
- What can you take from it?
- Small present moments can outweigh distant histories.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does focusing on the small teach you?
Another view
Ignoring history can limit learning.
More from Henry David Thoreau
My books I'd fain cast off, I cannot read, 'Twixt every page my thoughts go stray at large Down in the meadow, where is richer feed, And will not mind to hit t…
Permalink to quote #4 Talk of mysteries! - Think of our life in nature, - daily to be shown matter, to come in contact with it, - rocks, trees, wind on our cheeks! The solid earth! …
Permalink to quote #6 Great God, I ask thee for no meaner pelf Than that I may not disappoint myself, That in my action I may soar as high As I can now discern with this clear eye.
Permalink to quote #3
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