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About this quote

What does it mean?
We follow paths already walked on the surface of things.
In plain terms
We tread familiar ground.
What can you take from it?
Recognize when you’re repeating others’ steps.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • academic research

Putting it to work

  • review past work
  • seek novel angles

Questions to consider

  • When have you knowingly chosen a well‑trodden route?

Another view

Sometimes following past paths is necessary for safety.

More from Henry David Thoreau

  1. Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.

    Permalink to quote #91
  2. The frontiers are not east or west, north or south, but wherever a man fronts a fact, though that fact be his neighbor, there is an unsettled wilderness betwee…

    Permalink to quote #93
  3. This world is but canvas to our imaginations.

    Permalink to quote #90

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