Henry D. Thoreau

[prof_pangaea]

Oct. 24th 1837

The Mould our Deeds Leave

Every part of nature teaches that the passing away of one life is the making room for another. The oak dies down to the ground, leaving within its rind a rich virgin mould, which will impart a vigorous life to an infant forest -- The pine leaves a sandy and sterile soil - the harder woods a strong and fruitful mould. --

So this constant abrasion and decay makes the soil of my future growth. As I live now so shall I reap. If I grow pines and birches, my virgin mould will not sustain the oak, but pines and birches, or, perchance, weeds and brambles, will constitute my second growth. --


-- H.D. Thoreau

Comments

You reap what you sow.

[kels.livejournal.com]

It's incredibly ironic that I should read this when I did. I was just having similar thoughts (see my recent post titled "philisophical natterings").

So, even though you obviously didn't post this for me, thank you. :)