If it is surely the means to the highest end we know, can any work be...

Who said "If it is surely the means to the highest end we know, can any work be... "?

"If it is surely the means to the highest end we know, can any work be... " is one of a famous quotes by Henry David Thoreau. Complete quote is as follows;
"If it is surely the means to the highest end we know, can any work be humble or disgusting? Will it not rather be elevating as a ladder, the means by which we are translated?"

What is "If it is surely the means to the highest end we know, can any work be... "?

"If it is surely the means to the highest end we know, can any work be humble or disgusting? Will it not rather be elevating as a ladder, the means by which we are translated?" This is a quote by Henry David Thoreau which is about . He is known to have been associated with numerous other thought provoking quotes on these topics like;

• Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.

What does "If it is surely the means to the highest end we know, can any work be... " mean?

This quote is primarily about work although it also includes other themes like . It is attributed to Henry David Thoreau. Complete quote is as follows;
"If it is surely the means to the highest end we know, can any work be humble or disgusting? Will it not rather be elevating as a ladder, the means by which we are translated?"