For the most part we allow only outlying and transient circumstances to make our occasions. They are, in fact, the cause of our distraction. Henry David Thoreau More Quotes by Henry David Thoreau More Quotes From Henry David Thoreau I know that some will have hard thoughts of me, when they hear their Christ named beside my Buddha, yet I am sure that I am willing they should love their Christ more than my Buddha, for the love is the main thing, and I like him too. Henry David Thoreau love-isreligionjesus English sense has toiled, but Hindoo wisdom never perspired. Henry David Thoreau common-sensewisdomcommon We communicate like the burrows of foxes, in silence and darkness, under ground. We are undermined by faith and love. Henry David Thoreau communicationsilencefaith Tom Hyde, the tinker, standing on the gallows, was asked if he had anything to say. "Tell the tailors," said he, "to remember to make a knot in their thread before they take the first stitch." His companion's prayer is forgotten. Henry David Thoreau truthprayerfirsts When a man dies he kicks the dust. Henry David Thoreau kicksdustmen As for Clothing, to come at once to the practical part of the question, perhaps we are led oftener by the love of novelty and a regard for the opinions of men, in procuring it, than by a true utility. Henry David Thoreau noveltyopinionmen I cannot believe that our factory system is the best mode by which men may get clothing. The condition of the operatives is becoming every day more like that of the English; and it cannot be wondered at, since, as far as I have heard or observed, the principal object is, not that mankind may be well and honestly clad, but, unquestionably, that the corporations may be enriched. Henry David Thoreau industrializationmenbelieve Even in civilized communities, the embryo man passes through the hunter stage of development. Henry David Thoreau huntingcommunitymen Methinks some creeds in vestries and churches do forget the hunter wrapped in furs by the Great Slave Lake, and that the Esquimauxsledges are drawn by dogs, and in the twilight of the northern night the hunter does not give over to follow the seal and walrus on the ice. They are of sick and diseased imaginations who would toll the world's knell so soon. Cannot these sedentary sects do better than prepare the shrouds and write the epitaphs of those other busy living men? The practical faith of all men belies the preacher's consolation. Henry David Thoreau twilightdogwriting The divinity in man is the true vestal fire of the temple which is never permitted to go out, but burns as steadily and with as pure a flame on the obscure provincial altar as in Numa's temple at Rome. Henry David Thoreau romefiremen Any man knows when he is justified, and all the wits in the world cannot enlighten him on that point. The murderer always knows that he is justly punished; but when a government takes the life of a man without the consent of his conscience, it is an audacious government, and is taking a step towards its own dissolution. Henry David Thoreau stepsmenworld The movements of the eyes express the perpetual and unconscious courtesy of the parties. Henry David Thoreau movementpartyeye I was not born to be forced. Henry David Thoreau born It seemed to me that man himself was like a half-emptied bottle of pale ale, which Time had drunk so far, yet stoppled tight for a while, and drifting about in the ocean of circumstances, but destined ere-long to mingle with the surrounding waves, or be spilled amid the sands of a distant shore. Henry David Thoreau oceanmenlong Where the most beautiful wild flowers grow, there mans spirit is fed and poets grow. Henry David Thoreau flowerspiritbeautiful The body can feed the body only. Henry David Thoreau body That we have but little faith is not sad, but that we have little faithfulness. By faithfulness faith is earned. Henry David Thoreau loyaltyfaithlittles We are older by faith than by experience. Henry David Thoreau experiencefaith Faith, indeed, is all the reform that is needed; it is itself a reform. Henry David Thoreau reformneededfaith Friendship takes place between those who have an affinity for one another, and is a perfectly natural and inevitable result. No professions nor advances will avail.... It is a drama in which the parties have no part to act. Henry David Thoreau partyfriendshipdrama
