I could not undertake to form a nucleus of an institution for the development of infant minds, where none already existed. It would be too cruel. Henry David Thoreau More Quotes by Henry David Thoreau More Quotes From Henry David Thoreau We hate the kindness which we understand. Henry David Thoreau hate kindness True, there are architects so called in this country, and I have heard of one at least possessed with the idea of making architectural ornaments have a core of truth, a necessity, and hence a beauty, as if it were a revelation to him. All very well perhaps from his point of view, but only a little better than the common dilettantism. Henry David Thoreau views beauty country Nature is slow, but sure; she works no faster than need be; she is the tortoise that wins the race by her perseverance. Henry David Thoreau perseverance nature winning I fear chiefly lest my expression may not be extravagant enough, may not wander far enough beyond the narrow limit of my daily experience, so as to be adequate to the truth of which I have been convinced. Henry David Thoreau truth expression fear Let us not underrate the value of a fact; it will one day flower into a truth. Henry David Thoreau one-day flower truth I only desire sincere relations with the worthiest of my acquaintance, that they may give me an opportunity once in a year to speak the truth. Henry David Thoreau truth opportunity years The universe constantly and obediently answers to our conceptions; whether we travel fast or slow, the track is laid for us. Henry David Thoreau track expectations answers The volatile truth of our words should continually betray the inadequacy of the residual statement. Henry David Thoreau our-words betrayal truth Whatever sentence will bear to be read twice, we may be sure was thought twice. Henry David Thoreau reading bears may What fire could ever equal the sunshine of a winter's day? Henry David Thoreau sunshine fire winter If we were left solely to the wordy wit of legislators in Congress for our guidance, uncorrected by the seasonal experience and the effectual complaints of the people, America would not long retain her rank among the nations. Henry David Thoreau long america people The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way. Henry David Thoreau government time character He who cuts down woods beyond a certain limit exterminates birds. Henry David Thoreau woods cutting bird I believe that what so saddens the reformer is not his sympathy with his fellows in distress, but, though he be the holiest son of God, is his private ail. Let this be righted, let the spring come to him, the morning rise over his couch, and he will forsake his generous companions without apology. Henry David Thoreau spring morning sympathy The rich man is always sold to the institution which makes him rich. Absolutely speaking, the more money, the less virtue. Henry David Thoreau rich money men The pleasures of the intellect are permanent, the pleasures of the heart are transitory. Henry David Thoreau intellect pleasure heart In short, I am convinced, both by faith and experience, that to maintain one's self on this earth is not a hardship but a pastime, if we will live simply and wisely; as the pursuits of the simpler nations are still the sports of the more artificial. Henry David Thoreau inspirational sports life Must be out-of-doors enough to get experience of wholesome reality, as a ballast to thought and sentiment. Health requires this relaxation, this aimless life. Henry David Thoreau health time life What is the singing of birds, or any natural sound, compared with the voice of one we love. Henry David Thoreau voice bird love Politics is the gizzard of society, full of grit and gravel, and the two political parties are its opposite halves - sometimes split into quarters - which grind on each other. Not only individuals but states have thus a confirmed dyspepsia. Henry David Thoreau party opposites two
