"The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project, have invariably recognized it among their earliest practical necessities to allot a portion of the virgin soil as a cemetery, and another portion as the site of a prison"
- Nathaniel Hawthorne
About this Quote
This quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne speaks to the idea that, no matter how utopian a brand-new nest might be, it is essential to set aside a part of the land for a cemetery and a jail. This suggests that, even in a society that is pursuing perfection, death and criminal activity are inescapable. It also implies that, in order to develop a successful society, it is necessary to recognize and accept the truths of life, consisting of death and criminal activity. This quote works as a suggestion that, while it is important to pursue a better world, it is also essential to accept the realities of life and strategy accordingly.
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
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