Thoreau writes, "When our lives cease to be inward and private, conversation degenerates" to become
Are you supposed to guess? Or were you given some answers to choose from?
Mere Gossip
In order to understand the meaning behind Thoreau's statement, it is important to analyze the context and key ideas present in his writing. Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher who was known for promoting the ideas of simplicity, self-reliance, and living in harmony with nature.
The quote you mentioned, "When our lives cease to be inward and private, conversation degenerates," can be found in Thoreau's essay titled "Solitude," which explores the value of spending time alone in introspection. In this essay, Thoreau discusses the importance of inner reflection and the detrimental effects of constant socializing and excessive conversation.
To fully comprehend Thoreau's viewpoint, it is helpful to consider the following ideas:
1. Individuality and self-reflection: Thoreau believed that spending time alone allowed individuals to develop a deeper understanding of themselves. The "inward and private" aspect of life refers to the capacity for introspection and self-discovery. By engaging in this inner journey, individuals can gain clarity, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of their own values and beliefs.
2. Conversation as a distraction: Thoreau suggests that when our lives become dominated by outward social interactions and constant conversation, we tend to lose touch with our inner selves. He sees conversation as a distraction from the essential aspects of life, diverting our attention away from contemplation and true self-discovery.
3. Superficiality of conversation: Thoreau may argue that excessive conversations often revolve around trivial matters, gossip, or small talk. Such conversations lack depth and fail to explore meaningful ideas. According to Thoreau, when we prioritize these shallow exchanges over personal introspection, the quality of conversation declines and loses its value and purpose.
In summary, Thoreau's statement that "When our lives cease to be inward and private, conversation degenerates" highlights the importance of solitude and self-reflection. He suggests that constantly engaging in external conversations can be detrimental, as it distracts us from exploring our inner selves and limits the depth and meaning of our interactions with others.