"I have seen how the foundations of the world are laid, and I have not the least doubt that it will stand a good while"

Henry David Thoreau's quote speaks to the concept of the world's permanence and stability. He is suggesting that the foundations of the world are strong and will stay so for a very long time. This could be translated as a metaphor for the strength of the human spirit and the power of our cumulative will. It could likewise be translated as a declaration of faith in the natural order of deep space and the laws of nature. Thoreau's quote is a suggestion that, despite the chaos and unpredictability of life, there is a particular level of stability and order that will stay in location. It is a pointer that, no matter how much the world modifications, the structures of the world will stay strong and will mean an excellent while.