Henry David Thoreau
United States
12 Jul 1817 // 6 May 1862
Writer / Author / Poet
12 Jul 1817 // 6 May 1862
Writer / Author / Poet
Quotes
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For every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil, there is one striking at the root
Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves
What is called resignation is confirmed desperation... a stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind
Give me the poverty that enjoys true wealth
I know of no more encouraging fact than the ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor
It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?
A government in which the majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice, even as far as men understand it
That government is best which governs least
What wealth it is to have such friends that we cannot think of them without elevation
There is no rule more invariable than that we are paid for our suspicions by finding what we suspect
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays
Essays