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 I did not go to Boston, for with regard to that place I sympathize with one of my neighbors, an old man, who has not been there since the last war, when he was compelled to go. No, I have a real genius for staying at home. Henry David Thoreau real home war East of my bean-field, across the road, lived Cato Ingraham, slave of Duncan Ingraham, Esquire, gentleman, of Concord village, whobuilt his slave a house, and gave him permission to live in Walden Woods;MCato, not Uticensis, but Concordiensis. Some say that he was a Guinea Negro. There are a few who remember his little patch among the walnuts, which he let grow up till he should be old and need them; but a younger and whiter speculator got them at last. He too, however, occupies an equally narrow house at present. Henry David Thoreau growing-up gentleman house I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. [It allows you to] be the Mungo Park, the Lewis and Clark of your own streams and oceans; [to] explore your own higher latitudes; [to] be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought. Henry David Thoreau parks solitude ocean There is an incessant influx of novelty into the world, and yet we tolerate incredible dullness. When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shopkeepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon too, sitting with crossed legs, so many of them - as if the legs were made to sit upon, and not to stand or walk upon. Henry David Thoreau afternoon novelty sitting The ancient philosophers, Chinese, Hindu, Persian, and Greek, were a class than which none has been poorer in outward riches, none so rich inward. Henry David Thoreau chinese greek class I do not speak to those who are well employed, in whatever circumstances, and they know whether they are well employed or not; but mainly to the mass of men who are discontented, and idly complaining of the hardness of their lot or of the times, when they might improve them. Henry David Thoreau complaining might men How many a poor immortal soul I have met well-nigh crushed and smothered under its load, creeping down the road of life, pushing before it [an oversized home]. Henry David Thoreau pushing soul home I would not have any one adopt my mode of living on any account. Henry David Thoreau accounts living-on Men have come to such a pass that they frequently starve, not for want of necessaries, but for want of luxuries. Henry David Thoreau luxury want men I am awaked almost every night by the panting of the locomotive. It interrupts my dreams. There is no sabbath. Henry David Thoreau sabbath dream night To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. Henry David Thoreau company I learned to regard man as an inhabitant, or a part and parcel of nature, rather than a member of society. Henry David Thoreau regard members men This world is a place of business. What an infinite bustle! Henry David Thoreau infinite this-world world I cannot easily buy a blank-book to write thoughts in; they are commonly ruled for dollars and cents. Henry David Thoreau dollars writing book Love your life, poor as it is. Henry David Thoreau love-your-life poor love-you Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake. Henry David Thoreau Go confidently in the direction of your dreams Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler. Henry David Thoreau I have learned this at least by my experiment that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavours to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Henry David Thoreau Government never furthered any enterprise but the alacrity with which it got out of the way. Henry David Thoreau If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, how ever measured or far away. Henry David Thoreau
