We find it difficult to choose our direction because it does not yet exist distinctly in our idea. Henry David Thoreau More Quotes by Henry David Thoreau More Quotes From Henry David Thoreau If the machine of government is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law. Henry David Thoreau freedomreligiousmotivational In 1848, Thoreau went to jail for refusing, as a protest against the Mexican war, to pay his poll tax. When RW Emerson came to bail him out, Emerson said, 'Henry, what are you doing in there?' Thoreau quietly replied, 'Ralph, what are you doing out there?' Henry David Thoreau mexicanjailwar When we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen. Henry David Thoreau miraclehappensworld One is not born into the world to do everything but to do something. Henry David Thoreau generosityinspirationallife Let nothing come between you and the light. Henry David Thoreau light Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves. Henry David Thoreau wisdomcharactertravel Nay, be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought. Henry David Thoreau thoughtfulworkoutchange The soul grows by subtraction, not addition. Henry David Thoreau subtractiongrowssoul There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root. Henry David Thoreau learningcouragefall Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it till it comes to have a separate and integral interest. To regret deeply is to live afresh. Henry David Thoreau moving-onforgivenessregret Kindness to children, love for children, goodness to children-- these are the only investments that never fail. Henry David Thoreau failingkindnesschildren Do not despair of your life. You have force enough to overcome your obstacles. Henry David Thoreau despairovercominglife Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. Henry David Thoreau upliftinginspirationalsports When was it that men agreed to respect the appearance and not the reality? Henry David Thoreau respectmenreality When I hear a grown man or woman say, "Once I had faith in men, now I have not," I am inclined to ask, "Who are you whom the world has disappointed? Have not you rather disappointed the world?" Henry David Thoreau disappointedmenworld I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms. Henry David Thoreau cuttingwishlife O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment. Henry David Thoreau thanksgivingrunningthinking I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees. Henry David Thoreau walk-in-the-woodswoodstree I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. Henry David Thoreau lonelinessinspirationallove A minority is powerless while it conforms to the majority. Henry David Thoreau catchymajorityminorities
