Can someone please help better explain this quote to me by Thoreau?
"Truth is always in harmony iwth herself, and is not concerned chiefly to reveal the justice that may consist with wrong-doing."
Truth/honesty is its own reward. If one knows the truth, speaks the truth, then one does not have to be concerned with seeing that those who lie are punished.
Okay, thanks. One more quote please?
"I seek rather, I may say, even an excuse for conforming to the laws of the land. I am but too ready to conform to them."
He is saying he is a conformist, not a radical, or one who seeks to live in opposition to the rules of the society in which he lives.
Thoreau is not a conformist though. It seems to me that he is saying that he would like to be a conformist like everyone else because it is easy, but he knows it is wrong and thus choses to be a nonconformist.
Why did you say a conformist means to be someone who lives in opposition to the rules of society in which one lives? Isn't that a nonconformist?
Certainly! Let's break down the quote by Henry David Thoreau and explore its meaning.
"Truth is always in harmony with herself, and is not concerned chiefly to reveal the justice that may consist with wrong-doing."
To understand this quote, we can start by examining the phrase "Truth is always in harmony with herself." Thoreau suggests that truth is consistent and coherent within itself. In other words, truth remains constant and aligned, without any internal contradictions. Truth is not fragmented; it is integrated and cohesive.
The second part of the quote states, "is not concerned chiefly to reveal the justice that may consist with wrong-doing." Here, Thoreau implies that truth is not primarily focused on highlighting or justifying the fairness or righteousness that might accompany an act of wrongdoing.
In essence, Thoreau is highlighting the intrinsic nature of truth. According to him, truth exists independently of any specific situation or context. It is not solely preoccupied with highlighting the nuances of justice that might align with wrongful actions. Instead, truth stands alone and steady, irrespective of the ethical implications it may reveal.
In order to gain a deeper understanding of Thoreau's thoughts, it is helpful to engage with his other writings and explore the concepts of truth, justice, and morality as he defines them. Additionally, reading commentaries or analyses of Thoreau's work can provide more context and insights into his philosophy.