Henry David Thoreau Quotes And Sayings

Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, and historian. A leading transcendentalist, Thoreau is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay “Civil Disobedience”, an argument for disobedience to an unjust state. Thoreau’s books, articles, essays, journals, and poetry amount to more than 20 volumes. Thoreau’s philosophy of civil disobedience later influenced the political thoughts and actions of such notable figures as Leo Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr.

I Am Grateful For What I Am And Have. My Thanksgiving Is Perpetual.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (1) - I Am Grateful For What I Am And ... - QuotesI Am Grateful For What I Am And Have. My Thanksgiving Is Perpetual.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (1) - I Am Grateful For What I Am And ... - Quotes

Live Your Beliefs And You Can Turn The World Around.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (10) - Live Your Beliefs And You Can T... - QuotesLive Your Beliefs And You Can Turn The World Around.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (10) - Live Your Beliefs And You Can T... - Quotes

I Left The Woods For As Good A Reason As I Went There. Perhaps It Seemed To Me That I Had Several More Lives To Live And Could Not Spare Any More Time For That One.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (100) - I Left The Woods For As Good A... - QuotesI Left The Woods For As Good A Reason As I Went There. Perhaps It Seemed To Me That I Had Several More Lives To Live And Could Not Spare Any More Time For That One.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (100) - I Left The Woods For As Good A... - Quotes

I Say, Beware Of All Enterprises That Require New Clothes, And Not Rather A New Wearer Of Clothes.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (101) - I Say, Beware Of All Enterpris... - QuotesI Say, Beware Of All Enterprises That Require New Clothes, And Not Rather A New Wearer Of Clothes.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (101) - I Say, Beware Of All Enterpris... - Quotes

The Price Of Anything Is The Amount Of Life You Exchange For It.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (103) - The Price Of Anything Is The A... - QuotesThe Price Of Anything Is The Amount Of Life You Exchange For It.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (103) - The Price Of Anything Is The A... - Quotes

Thank God Men Cannot Fly, And Lay Waste The Sky As Well As The Earth.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (102) - Thank God Men Cannot Fly, And ... - QuotesThank God Men Cannot Fly, And Lay Waste The Sky As Well As The Earth.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (102) - Thank God Men Cannot Fly, And ... - Quotes

What Is The Use Of A House If You Haven't Got A Tolerable Planet To Put It On?

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (104) - What Is The Use Of A House If ... - QuotesWhat Is The Use Of A House If You Haven't Got A Tolerable Planet To Put It On?

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (104) - What Is The Use Of A House If ... - Quotes

What Is Called Genius Is The Abundance Of Life And Health.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (106) - What Is Called Genius Is The A... - QuotesWhat Is Called Genius Is The Abundance Of Life And Health.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (106) - What Is Called Genius Is The A... - Quotes

Our Houses Are Such Unwieldy Property That We Are Often Imprisoned Rather Than Housed By Them.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (105) - Our Houses Are Such Unwieldy P... - QuotesOur Houses Are Such Unwieldy Property That We Are Often Imprisoned Rather Than Housed By Them.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (105) - Our Houses Are Such Unwieldy P... - Quotes

We Are For The Most Part More Lonely When We Go Abroad Among Men Than When We Stay In Our Chambers. A Man Thinking Or Working Is Always Alone, Let Him Be Where He Will.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (107) - We Are For The Most Part More ... - QuotesWe Are For The Most Part More Lonely When We Go Abroad Among Men Than When We Stay In Our Chambers. A Man Thinking Or Working Is Always Alone, Let Him Be Where He Will.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (107) - We Are For The Most Part More ... - Quotes

Dreams Are The Touchstones Of Our Character.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (108) - Dreams Are The Touchstones Of ... - QuotesDreams Are The Touchstones Of Our Character.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (108) - Dreams Are The Touchstones Of ... - Quotes

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.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (109) - Most Of The Luxuries And Many ... - QuotesMost 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.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (109) - Most Of The Luxuries And Many ... - Quotes

Not Until We Are Lost Do We Begin To Understand Ourselves.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (11) - Not Until We Are Lost Do We Beg... - QuotesNot Until We Are Lost Do We Begin To Understand Ourselves.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (11) - Not Until We Are Lost Do We Beg... - Quotes

It Is A Characteristic Of Wisdom Not To Do Desperate Things.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (110) - It Is A Characteristic Of Wisd... - QuotesIt Is A Characteristic Of Wisdom Not To Do Desperate Things.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (110) - It Is A Characteristic Of Wisd... - Quotes

Through Our Own Recovered Innocence We Discern The Innocence Of Our Neighbors.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (111) - Through Our Own Recovered Inno... - QuotesThrough Our Own Recovered Innocence We Discern The Innocence Of Our Neighbors.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (111) - Through Our Own Recovered Inno... - Quotes

I Put A Piece Of Paper Under My Pillow, And When I Could Not Sleep I Wrote In The Dark.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (114) - I Put A Piece Of Paper Under M... - QuotesI Put A Piece Of Paper Under My Pillow, And When I Could Not Sleep I Wrote In The Dark.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (114) - I Put A Piece Of Paper Under M... - Quotes

It Is Never Too Late To Give Up Our Prejudices.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (113) - It Is Never Too Late To Give U... - QuotesIt Is Never Too Late To Give Up Our Prejudices.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (113) - It Is Never Too Late To Give U... - Quotes

A Broad Margin Of Leisure Is As Beautiful In A Man's Life As In A Book. Haste Makes Waste, No Less In Life Than In Housekeeping. Keep The Time, Observe The Hours Of The Universe, Not Of The Cars.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (112) - A Broad Margin Of Leisure Is A... - QuotesA Broad Margin Of Leisure Is As Beautiful In A Man's Life As In A Book. Haste Makes Waste, No Less In Life Than In Housekeeping. Keep The Time, Observe The Hours Of The Universe, Not Of The Cars.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (112) - A Broad Margin Of Leisure Is A... - Quotes

Our Life Is Frittered Away By Detail... Simplify, Simplify.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (115) - Our Life Is Frittered Away By ... - QuotesOur Life Is Frittered Away By Detail... Simplify, Simplify.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (115) - Our Life Is Frittered Away By ... - Quotes

Truths And Roses Have Thorns About Them.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (116) - Truths And Roses Have Thorns A... - QuotesTruths And Roses Have Thorns About Them.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (116) - Truths And Roses Have Thorns A... - Quotes

The Smallest Seed Of Faith Is Better Than The Largest Fruit Of Happiness.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (117) - The Smallest Seed Of Faith Is ... - QuotesThe Smallest Seed Of Faith Is Better Than The Largest Fruit Of Happiness.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (117) - The Smallest Seed Of Faith Is ... - Quotes

Many Men Go Fishing All Of Their Lives Without Knowing That It Is Not Fish They Are After.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (12) - Many Men Go Fishing All Of Thei... - QuotesMany Men Go Fishing All Of Their Lives Without Knowing That It Is Not Fish They Are After.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (12) - Many Men Go Fishing All Of Thei... - Quotes

There Are Old Heads In The World Who Cannot Help Me By Their Example Or Advice To Live Worthily And Satisfactorily To Myself; But I Believe That It Is In My Power To Elevate Myself This Very Hour Above The Common Level Of My Life.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (119) - There Are Old Heads In The Wor... - QuotesThere Are Old Heads In The World Who Cannot Help Me By Their Example Or Advice To Live Worthily And Satisfactorily To Myself; But I Believe That It Is In My Power To Elevate Myself This Very Hour Above The Common Level Of My Life.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (119) - There Are Old Heads In The Wor... - Quotes

Alas! How Little Does The Memory Of These Human Inhabitants Enhance The Beauty Of The Landscape!

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (118) - Alas! How Little Does The Memo... - QuotesAlas! How Little Does The Memory Of These Human Inhabitants Enhance The Beauty Of The Landscape!

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (118) - Alas! How Little Does The Memo... - Quotes

I Have Found That Hollow, Which Even I Had Relied On For Solid.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (120) - I Have Found That Hollow, Whic... - QuotesI Have Found That Hollow, Which Even I Had Relied On For Solid.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (120) - I Have Found That Hollow, Whic... - Quotes

They Can Do Without Architecture Who Have No Olives Nor Wines In The Cellar.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (122) - They Can Do Without Architectu... - QuotesThey Can Do Without Architecture Who Have No Olives Nor Wines In The Cellar.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (122) - They Can Do Without Architectu... - Quotes

Where There Is An Observatory And A Telescope, We Expect That Any Eyes Will See New Worlds At Once.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (121) - Where There Is An Observatory ... - QuotesWhere There Is An Observatory And A Telescope, We Expect That Any Eyes Will See New Worlds At Once.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (121) - Where There Is An Observatory ... - Quotes

It Is Not Part Of A True Culture To Tame Tigers, Any More Than It Is To Make Sheep Ferocious.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (123) - It Is Not Part Of A True Cultu... - QuotesIt Is Not Part Of A True Culture To Tame Tigers, Any More Than It Is To Make Sheep Ferocious.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (123) - It Is Not Part Of A True Cultu... - Quotes

May We So Love As Never To Have Occasion To Repent Of Our Love!

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (124) - May We So Love As Never To Hav... - QuotesMay We So Love As Never To Have Occasion To Repent Of Our Love!

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (124) - May We So Love As Never To Hav... - Quotes

The Lawyer's Truth Is Not Truth, But Consistency Or A Consistent Expediency.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (125) - The Lawyer's Truth Is Not Trut... - QuotesThe Lawyer's Truth Is Not Truth, But Consistency Or A Consistent Expediency.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (125) - The Lawyer's Truth Is Not Trut... - Quotes

I Have Found That No Exertion Of The Legs Can Bring Two Minds Much Nearer To One Another.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (127) - I Have Found That No Exertion ... - QuotesI Have Found That No Exertion Of The Legs Can Bring Two Minds Much Nearer To One Another.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (127) - I Have Found That No Exertion ... - Quotes

The Life Which Men Praise And Regard As Successful Is But One Kind. Why Should We Exaggerate Any One Kind At The Expense Of The Others?

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (128) - The Life Which Men Praise And ... - QuotesThe Life Which Men Praise And Regard As Successful Is But One Kind. Why Should We Exaggerate Any One Kind At The Expense Of The Others?

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (128) - The Life Which Men Praise And ... - Quotes

So Thoroughly And Sincerely Are We Compelled To Live, Reverencing Our Life, And Denying The Possibility Of Change. This Is The Only Way, We Say; But There Are As Many Ways As There Can Be Drawn Radii From One Centre. All Change Is A Miracle To Contemplate; But It Is A Miracle Which Is Taking Place Every Instant.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (126) - So Thoroughly And Sincerely Ar... - QuotesSo Thoroughly And Sincerely Are We Compelled To Live, Reverencing Our Life, And Denying The Possibility Of Change. This Is The Only Way, We Say; But There Are As Many Ways As There Can Be Drawn Radii From One Centre. All Change Is A Miracle To Contemplate; But It Is A Miracle Which Is Taking Place Every Instant.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (126) - So Thoroughly And Sincerely Ar... - Quotes

We Are All Sculptors And Painters, And Our Material Is Our Own Flesh And Blood And Bones. Any Nobleness Begins At Once To Refine A Man's Features, Any Meanness Or Sensuality To Imbrute Them.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (129) - We Are All Sculptors And Paint... - QuotesWe Are All Sculptors And Painters, And Our Material Is Our Own Flesh And Blood And Bones. Any Nobleness Begins At Once To Refine A Man's Features, Any Meanness Or Sensuality To Imbrute Them.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (129) - We Are All Sculptors And Paint... - Quotes

Never Look Back Unless You Are Planning To Go That Way.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (13) - Never Look Back Unless You Are ... - QuotesNever Look Back Unless You Are Planning To Go That Way.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (13) - Never Look Back Unless You Are ... - Quotes

The Squirrel That You Kill In Jest, Dies In Earnest.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (130) - The Squirrel That You Kill In ... - QuotesThe Squirrel That You Kill In Jest, Dies In Earnest.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (130) - The Squirrel That You Kill In ... - Quotes

It Appears To Be A Law That You Cannot Have A Deep Sympathy With Both Man And Nature.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (131) - It Appears To Be A Law That Yo... - QuotesIt Appears To Be A Law That You Cannot Have A Deep Sympathy With Both Man And Nature.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (131) - It Appears To Be A Law That Yo... - Quotes

I Am Sorry To Think That You Do Not Get A Man's Most Effective Criticism Until You Provoke Him. Severe Truth Is Expressed With Some Bitterness.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (133) - I Am Sorry To Think That You D... - QuotesI Am Sorry To Think That You Do Not Get A Man's Most Effective Criticism Until You Provoke Him. Severe Truth Is Expressed With Some Bitterness.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (133) - I Am Sorry To Think That You D... - Quotes

Nothing Makes The Earth Seem So Spacious As To Have Friends At A Distance; They Make The Latitudes And Longitudes.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (132) - Nothing Makes The Earth Seem S... - QuotesNothing Makes The Earth Seem So Spacious As To Have Friends At A Distance; They Make The Latitudes And Longitudes.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (132) - Nothing Makes The Earth Seem S... - Quotes

The Universe Is Wider Than Our Views Of It.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (136) - The Universe Is Wider Than Our... - QuotesThe Universe Is Wider Than Our Views Of It.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (136) - The Universe Is Wider Than Our... - Quotes

The Artist Is He Who Detects And Applies The Law From Observation Of The Works Of Genius, Whether Of Man Or Nature. The Artisan Is He Who Merely Applies The Rules Which Others Have Detected.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (134) - The Artist Is He Who Detects A... - QuotesThe Artist Is He Who Detects And Applies The Law From Observation Of The Works Of Genius, Whether Of Man Or Nature. The Artisan Is He Who Merely Applies The Rules Which Others Have Detected.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (134) - The Artist Is He Who Detects A... - Quotes

Our Truest Life Is When We Are In Dreams Awake.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (135) - Our Truest Life Is When We Are... - QuotesOur Truest Life Is When We Are In Dreams Awake.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (135) - Our Truest Life Is When We Are... - Quotes

It Is What A Man Thinks Of Himself That Really Determines His Fate.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (137) - It Is What A Man Thinks Of Him... - QuotesIt Is What A Man Thinks Of Himself That Really Determines His Fate.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (137) - It Is What A Man Thinks Of Him... - Quotes

Instead Of Noblemen, Let Us Have Noble Villages Of Men.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (139) - Instead Of Noblemen, Let Us Ha... - QuotesInstead Of Noblemen, Let Us Have Noble Villages Of Men.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (139) - Instead Of Noblemen, Let Us Ha... - Quotes

Could A Greater Miracle Take Place Than For Us To Look Through Each Other's Eyes For An Instant?

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (138) - Could A Greater Miracle Take P... - QuotesCould A Greater Miracle Take Place Than For Us To Look Through Each Other's Eyes For An Instant?

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (138) - Could A Greater Miracle Take P... - Quotes

After The First Blush Of Sin Comes Its Indifference.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (140) - After The First Blush Of Sin C... - QuotesAfter The First Blush Of Sin Comes Its Indifference.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (140) - After The First Blush Of Sin C... - Quotes

As You Simplify Your Life, The Laws Of The Universe Will Be Simpler; Solitude Will Not Be Solitude, Poverty Will Not Be Poverty, Nor Weakness Weakness.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (14) - As You Simplify Your Life, The ... - QuotesAs You Simplify Your Life, The Laws Of The Universe Will Be Simpler; Solitude Will Not Be Solitude, Poverty Will Not Be Poverty, Nor Weakness Weakness.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (14) - As You Simplify Your Life, The ... - Quotes

Only He Is Successful In His Business Who Makes That Pursuit Which Affords Him The Highest Pleasure Sustain Him.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (141) - Only He Is Successful In His B... - QuotesOnly He Is Successful In His Business Who Makes That Pursuit Which Affords Him The Highest Pleasure Sustain Him.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (141) - Only He Is Successful In His B... - Quotes

There Is Always A Present And Extant Life, Be It Better Or Worse, Which All Combine To Uphold.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (142) - There Is Always A Present And ... - QuotesThere Is Always A Present And Extant Life, Be It Better Or Worse, Which All Combine To Uphold.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (142) - There Is Always A Present And ... - Quotes

The Man Who Goes Alone Can Start Today; But He Who Travels With Another Must Wait Till That Other Is Ready.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (144) - The Man Who Goes Alone Can Sta... - QuotesThe Man Who Goes Alone Can Start Today; But He Who Travels With Another Must Wait Till That Other Is Ready.

Henry David Thoreau Quotes (144) - The Man Who Goes Alone Can Sta... - Quotes