"Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end"

Henry David Thoreau's quote is a tip that although our developments might be excellent, they are often simply diversions from more crucial matters. He suggests that our developments are merely enhanced ways to an unaltered end, indicating that although we may have developed much better tools and innovations, we have not always improved our lives or our society. He is cautioning us that we need to not be so focused on our innovations that we forget to focus on the more important aspects of life. He is suggesting that we ought to not be so distracted by our creations that we forget to focus on the more meaningful aspects of life, such as relationships, morality, and spirituality. Thoreau's quote is a tip that although our developments may be remarkable, they ought to not be our main focus. We need to aim to improve our lives and our society in more meaningful methods.