The laboring man has not leisure for a true integrity day by day.
It is only when we forget out learning that we begin to know.
He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul's estate.
The really efficient laborer will be found not to crowd his day with work, but will saunter to his task surrounded by a wide halo of ease and leisure.
I have received no more than one or two letters in my life that were worth the postage.
Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.
The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer. -Henry David Thoreau.
It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak and another to hear. -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 which he hears, however measured or far away.
There is no remedy for love but to love more.
Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.
Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.
Men have become tools of their tools.
Any man more right than his neighbors, constitutes a majority of one.
All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every second.
If misery loves company, misery has company enough.
The only wealth is life.
Money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul.
Don't be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life so.
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 which he hears, however measured or far away.
If the fairest features of the landscape are to be named after men, let them be the noblest and worthiest men alone.
However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are the richest.
Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it.
You must not know too much or be too precise or scientific about birds and trees and flowers and watercraft; a certain free-margin, and even vagueness - ignorance, credulity - helps your enjoyment of these things.
The bluebird carries the sky on his back.