To inherit property is not to be born – it is to be still-born, rather.

This quote suggests that inheriting property is not a sign of life or achievement, but rather a state of stagnation or inertia. Thoreau seems to argue that being born, in the metaphorical sense he uses here, implies growth, struggle, and achievement. To inherit property, on the other hand, is to receive something without having worked or grown for it. The term "still-born" is a stark metaphor, suggesting that those who simply inherit wealth are not truly alive in the sense of personal growth and development.

The quote can be seen as a critique of unearned privilege. Thoreau implies that those who inherit wealth or property miss out on the struggles and challenges that lead to personal growth and self-realization. They are, in a sense, "still-born," because they do not experience the birth of character and resilience that comes from overcoming adversity.

Applying this idea to today’s world, one might argue that the quote is relevant to discussions about wealth inequality and social mobility. In societies where wealth is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few, opportunities for personal growth and achievement may be limited for those who do not inherit property or wealth.

In terms of personal development, Thoreau’s quote suggests the value of earning one’s own way and facing challenges head-on. It is through struggle and adversity, not easy inheritance, that one truly grows and develops. This idea might serve as a reminder not to shy away from challenges, but to embrace them as opportunities for growth. It also emphasizes that true success isn’t measured by material possessions, but by personal growth and self-fulfillment.