A Characteristic of Wisdom
"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. From the desperate city you go into the desperate country, and have to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind. There is no play in them, for this comes after work. But it is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things."-- Thoreau
I'm glad I decided to read Walden for inspirations. Nearly every time I look at it I get an idea for the next scene I'm writing in my novel.
Right now I'm writing a scene where the protagonist and his two friends are being escorted into an unknown city by armed warriors. What would be the wise thing for them to do right now? Who will be wise, and who will give in to desperation? This gives my plot more substance.
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