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There is an incessant influx of novelty into the world, and yet we tolerate incredible dulness. I need only suggest what kind of sermons are still listened to in the most enlightened countries. There are such words as joy and sorrow, but they are only the burden of a psalm, sung with a nasal twang, while we believe in the ordinary and mean. We think that we can change our clothes only. It is said that the British Empire is very large and respectable, and that the United States are a first-rate power. We do not believe that a tide rises and falls behind every 去书内
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  • Re Re

    This excerpt is from the concluding part of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. Thoreau reflects on human ignorance and spiritual blindness. He points out that humans spend nearly half their lives sleeping, yet still consider themselves wise. We maintain a superficial social order while remaining spiritually asleep. Thoreau uses a small insect crawling in the pine needles as a metaphor. The insect tries to hide itself from human sight. Watching it, Thoreau thinks of human beings: we are like this tiny insect, hiding from a greater, higher power. We are unaware of the wisdom beyond our limited human perspective. The writer criticizes the dullness of modern society. Though new things keep appearing in the world, people accept boring and conventional ideas. Even in developed countries, people still listen to empty sermons. Words like joy and sorrow become empty ritual phrases, rather than real heartfelt feelings.

    2026-09-20 喜欢(0) 回复(0)

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