To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating" is a quote that carries a profound depth of meaning. It suggests that even the most pleasant company, or social interaction, can become tiresome and draining after a while. The word ‘dissipating’ implies not just a sense of fatigue, but also a sense of losing oneself or one’s energy in the process of socializing or being with others.

The idea here is not necessarily that company or social interaction is bad, but rather that it can become overwhelming or exhausting if it’s constant or without balance. It conveys the importance of solitude and self-reflection in maintaining one’s mental and emotional health. Even if the company is of high quality – intelligent, inspiring, or enjoyable – it can still become wearisome if it doesn’t allow for personal space and time for introspection.

In today’s world, this idea is more relevant than ever. With the advent of social media and technology, we are constantly ‘in company’. We are always connected, always interacting, often with little to no time for solitude or self-reflection. This constant connection can lead to a sense of exhaustion or burnout, and a loss of self, just as Thoreau suggested.

In terms of personal development, this quote serves as a reminder of the importance of balance between social interaction and solitude. It suggests that to truly know oneself, to maintain one’s energy and sense of self, one needs time alone, away from the demands and influences of others. It’s in solitude that we often find our deepest insights and make our greatest personal advancements.

So, while social interactions are important for our growth and happiness, they should not be the only thing we seek. Time spent in solitude, introspecting and recharging, is equally if not more essential for our overall well-being and personal development.