"We have heard of a Society for the Diffusion of Useful
Knowledge. It is said that knowledge is power; and the like. Methinks
there is equal need of a Society for the Diffusion of Useful Ignorance,
what we will call Beautiful Knowledge, a knowledge useful in a higher
sense: for what is most of our boasted so-called knowledge but a conceit
that we know something, which robs us of the
advantage of our actual ignorance? ... I would say to the Society for
the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, sometimes, – Go to grass ["like a horse" that "leaves all his harness behind in the stable"]. You
have eaten hay [knowledge, facts, etc] long enough. The spring has come
with its green crop [of Useful Ignorance]."
– Henry Thoreau, from near the end of an essay called "Walking" 1862.
[bracketed content is given to help the reader step over gaps in thought]
– Henry Thoreau, from near the end of an essay called "Walking" 1862.
[bracketed content is given to help the reader step over gaps in thought]
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