Quotes by Henry David Thoreau

If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen.

The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time.

To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea.

Be not simply good - be good for something.

Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.

It is remarkable how closely the history of the apple tree is connected with that of man.

True friendship can afford true knowledge. It does not depend on darkness and ignorance.

Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.

I am sorry to think that you do not get a mans most effective criticism until you provoke him. Severe truth is expressed with some bitterness.

The lawyers truth is not Truth, but consistency or a consistent expediency.

Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each others eyes for an instant?

Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed... Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.

There is one consolation in being sick and that is the possibility that you may recover to a better state than you were ever in before.

It appears to be a law that you cannot have a deep sympathy with both man and nature.

I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.

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.

Faith keeps many doubts in her pay. If I could not doubt, I should not believe.

Faith never makes a confession.

If I knew for a certainty that a man was coming to my house with the conscious design of doing me good, I should run for my life.

Alas! how little does the memory of these human inhabitants enhance the beauty of the landscape!