To inherit property is not to be born - it is to be still-born, rather. Henry David Thoreau More Quotes by Henry David Thoreau More Quotes From Henry David Thoreau There is a certain perfection in accident which we never consciously attain. Henry David Thoreau creation certain perfection The true finish is the work of time, and the use to which a thing is put. The elements are still polishing the pyramids. Henry David Thoreau pyramids perfection time I did not know that mankind was suffering for want of gold. Henry David Thoreau gold suffering want Men are as innocent as the morning to the unsuspicious. Henry David Thoreau innocence morning men Biography, too, is liable to the same objection; it should be autobiography. Let us not, as the Germans advise, endeavor to go abroad and vex our bowels that we may be somebody else to explain him. If I am not I, who will be? Henry David Thoreau vex biographies may The Great Snow! How cheerful it is to hear of! Henry David Thoreau cheerful snow No people ever lived by cursing their fathers, however great a curse their fathers might have been to them. Henry David Thoreau might father people The fruits eaten temperately need not make us ashamed of our appetites, nor interrupt the worthiest pursuits. But put an extra condiment into your dish, and it will poison you. Henry David Thoreau fruit poison needs Once I went so far as to slaughter a woodchuck which ravaged my bean-field,--effect his transmigration, as a Tartar would say,--and devour him, partly for experiment's sake; but though it afforded me a momentary enjoyment, notwithstanding a musky flavor, I saw that the longest use would not make that a good practice, however it might seem to have your woodchucks ready dressed by the village butcher. Henry David Thoreau sake practice might The gross feeder is a man in the larva state; and there are whole nations in that condition, nations without fancy or imagination,whose vast abdomens betray them. Henry David Thoreau fancy imagination men Perhaps of all our untamed quadrupeds, the fox has obtained the widest and most familiar reputation.... His recent tracks still give variety to a winter's walk. I tread in the steps of the fox that has gone before me by some hours, or which perhaps I have started, with such a tip-toe of expectation as if I were on the trail of the Spirit itself which resides in the wood, and expected soon to catch it in its lair. Henry David Thoreau track expectations winter There is a patent office at the seat of government of the universe, whose managers are as much interested in the dispersion of seeds as anybody at Washington can be, and their operations are infinitely more extensive and regular. Henry David Thoreau patents government office It is a great pleasure to escape sometimes from the restless class of Reformers. What if these grievances exist? So do you and I. Henry David Thoreau what-if class sometimes The best way to correct a mistake is to make it right. Henry David Thoreau best-way mistake way I was never molested by any person but those who represented the State. I had no lock nor bolt but for the desk which held my papers, not even a nail to put over my latch or windows. I never fastened my door night or day, though I was to be absent several days; not even when the next fall I spent a fortnight in the woods of Maine. And yet my house was more respected than if it had been surrounded by a file of soldiers. Henry David Thoreau jail night fall Hate can pardon more than love. Henry David Thoreau hostility pardon hate There is reason in the distinction of civil and uncivil. The manners are sometimes so rough a rind that we doubt whether they cover any core or sap-wood at all. Henry David Thoreau sap woods doubt So is the English Parliament provincial. Mere country bumpkins, they betray themselves, when any more important question arises for them to settle, the Irish question, for instance,--the English question why did I not say? Their natures are subdued to what they work in. Their "good breeding" respects only secondary objects. Henry David Thoreau settling important country The man who thrusts his manners upon me does as if he were to insist on introducing me to his cabinet of curiosities, when I wished to see himself. Henry David Thoreau cabinets curiosity men But the impressions which the morning makes vanish with its dews, and not even the most "persevering mortal" can preserve the memory of its freshness to midday. Henry David Thoreau dew morning memories
