It would be worth the while to look closely into the eye which has been open and seeing at such hours, and in such solitudes, its dull, yellowish, greenish eye. Methinks my own soul must be a bright invisible green.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thoreau urges close examination of an open eye, describing his own soul as a bright invisible green, suggesting inner insight and unseen vitality.
- In plain terms
- He calls for deep introspection, likening his soul to a hidden bright green.
- What can you take from it?
- Self‑examination can reveal unseen inner energy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we perceive our inner self?
- What does 'bright invisible green' suggest?
Another view
Metaphorical language may not resonate with everyone.
More from Henry David Thoreau
My life has been the poem I would have writ, But I could not both live and utter it.
Permalink to quote #86 It takes two to speak the truth, - one to speak, and another to hear.
Permalink to quote #88 Far from New England's blustering shore, New England's worm her hulk shall bore, And sink her in the Indian seas, Twine, wine, and hides, and China teas.
Permalink to quote #85
Related quotes
My soul is like this cloudy, flaming opal ring.
Arthur SymonsArthur Symons quote #3 Presque tous les hommes ressemblent a ces grands palais deserts dont le proprietaire n'habite que quelques pieces; et il ne penetre jamais danss les ailes cond…
Francois MauriacFrancois Mauriac quote #4 I did not begin when I was born, nor when I was conceived. I have been growing, developing, through incalculable myriads of millenniums. All my previous selves…
Jack LondonJack London quote #8