FOR 10 POINTS!!! What Does This Quote Mean...?

Question

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

- Henry Thoreau

It has to do with John Steinbeck's "Of Mice And Men."

Answer 1

it means that most people live their whole lifes holding back things that they want to do or say because they're afraid of the reactions they'll get

Answer 2

Most men feel their situation is so hopeless, that there's not much point in discussing it or in trying to muster the energy to do anything about it.

They try and hold it in like a quiet soul so that they don't have to be remind of their troublesome life.

Answer 3

men had deliberately chosen the common mode of living because they preferred it to any other.

Answer 4

It basically means that the average man/woman faces so many struggles, hardships and problems that they just want to leave or get away from. Unfortunately, most don't feel that they should bother others by talking about their problems, and never do.

Answer 5

I think this is real. Most men lead lives of quiet desperation, especially in our time of economic and global crisis. Who wouldn't. Even the women do, because the role played by men are also played by some women. At this point in time, people, not only men live in quiet desperation. Desperation for a better life, better environment, better government. Most of us live in quiet desperation for personal achievement, family life, better role in the family and in society, desperation for upliftment physically and spiritually. As with trapped mice, we feel trapped in a world of desperate longing for better life, for freedom to do what we want to do.

Answer 6

I think it's talking about how the average man struggles threw out his whole life. Whether with finacial things, a spouse or an internal battle. (desperation)Unfortunately the average man won't say anything they will just hold it in until they exploid. Some even take it to their grave.(quiet)

Answer 7

Aren't Lenny and his friend desperate? They don't realize it, but what do they have in their lives between themselves and death?

Answer 8

maybe people just want to shout something out but some other thig is holding them back, putting them in a sticky situation....scared if they do say certain things, there'll be consequences...

Answer 9

it means that most people live their lives in despiration.