By a conscious effort of the mind we can stand aloof from actions and their consequences; and all things, good and bad, go by us like a torrent. Henry David Thoreau More Quotes by Henry David Thoreau More Quotes From Henry David Thoreau As a snow-drift is formed where there is a lull in the wind, so, one would say, where there is a lull of truth, an institution springs up. Henry David Thoreau spring snow wind For an impenetrable shield, stand inside yourself Henry David Thoreau shields strength When I go out of the house for a walk, uncertain as yet whither I will bend my steps, [I] submit myself to my instinct to decide for me. Henry David Thoreau instinct house steps Is it not possible that an individual may be right and a government wrong? Are laws to be enforced simply because they were made? Or declared by any number of men to be good, if they are NOT good? Henry David Thoreau law numbers men I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite - only a sense of existence. Well, anything for variety. Henry David Thoreau existence thanksgiving grateful Simplicity is the peak of civilization. Henry David Thoreau simplicity civilization As for the complex ways of living, I love them not, however much I practice them. In as many places as possible, I will get my feet down to the earth. Henry David Thoreau simplicity practice feet The savage lives simply through ignorance and idleness or laziness, but the philosopher lives simply through wisdom. Henry David Thoreau savages simplicity ignorance To what end do I lead a simple life at all, pray? That I may teach others to simplify their lives? - and so all our lives be simplified merely, like an algebraic formula? Or not, rather, that I may make use of the ground I have cleared to live more worthily and profitably? Henry David Thoreau simplicity simple use The rule is to carry as little as possible. Henry David Thoreau simplicity littles My themes will not be far-fetched. I will tell of homely every-day phenomena and adventures. Henry David Thoreau scrapbooking simplicity adventure A man sits as many risks as he runs. Henry David Thoreau risk running men Oh to reach the point of death and realize one has not lived at all. Henry David Thoreau simple-living realizing simple Sometimes you have to leave the world in order to learn how to live in it. Thoreau shunned society, went to the woods, and came back with a new understanding of life. Henry David Thoreau understanding order world The man who is dissatisfied with himself, what can he do? Henry David Thoreau he-man honor men In solitude especialy do we begin to appreciate the advantage of living with someone who can think. Henry David Thoreau appreciate life thinking No method nor discipline can supersede the necessity of being forever on the alert. What is a course of history, or philosophy, or poetry, or the most admirable routine of life, compared with the discipline of looking always at what is to be seen? Will you be a reader, a student merely, or a seer? Henry David Thoreau discipline forever philosophy In all perception of the truth there is a divine ecstasy, an inexpressible delirium of joy, as when a youth embraces his betrothed virgin. Henry David Thoreau perception truth joy Books that are books are all that you want, and there are but a half dozen in any thousand. Henry David Thoreau reading half book When I consider how, after sunset, the stars come out gradually in troops from behind the hills and woods, I confess that I could not have contrived a more curious and inspiring sight. Henry David Thoreau sunset stars sight
