Stored personal memories along with handed down collective memories of stories, legends, and history allows us to collate our interactions with a physical and social world and develop a personal code of survival. In essence, we all become self-styled sages, creating our own book of wisdom based upon our studied observations and practical knowledge gleaned from living and learning. What we quickly discover is that no textbook exist how to conduct our life, because the world has yet to produce a perfect person — an ideal observer — whom is capable of handing down a concrete exemplar of epistemic virtues. We each draw upon the guiding knowledge, theories, and advice available for us in order to explore the paradoxes, ironies, inconsistencies, and the absurdities encountered while living in a supernatural world. We mold our personal collection of information into a practical practicum how to live and die. Each day we define and redefine who we are, determine how we will react today, and chart our quest into an uncertain future.Kilroy J. Oldster
About This Quote
Human civilization is built upon the idea of personal advancement. We are all questioning who we are, how life works, and what the future holds for us. As humans, we can never stop learning about ourselves and if there is one thing that people understand it is that they will always be trying to improve. Through this quote, Thoreau is saying that no one can ever truly know who they are, how life works, or what the future holds for them. No matter how much you read or learn about yourself or the world around you, there will always be new things to learn.
Source: Dead Toad Scrolls
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