Can someone explain this quote to me?

Question

"Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves" - Henry David Thoreau

I have to write an essay on this, but I'm not quite sure what it means. If you've read Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, that's what I have to relate this quote to. If anyone could explain the meaning of this quote or how it relates to the novel, that'd be appreciated.

Thanks.

Answer 1

this means that when we dont have anything, we begin using our skills to rebuild. then we can see if we are strong or weak. when we have it all, we dont care.

this is to the book because one person discovers the true side of him

peace...

Answer 2

When we are lost we are at the lowest point we can possibly be.  It doesn't matter whether we are lost on our way to the grocery store, or completely confused about life.  When we get to this state, we begin to realize that the lowest part of ourselves can be quickly changed into the right path.  When we become lost we learn how to rise up from the ground and become something greater than we ever imagined.

thats what i think it means =] feel free to use it in your essay, just let me know if you do! hope i helped!

I haven't read the book, is it good?