There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root. – Henry David Thoreau
God reigns when we take a liberal view, when a liberal view is presented to us. – Henry David Thoreau
There is danger that we lose sight of what our friend is absolutely, while considering what she is to us alone. – Henry David Thoreau
Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant? – Henry David Thoreau
Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling. – Henry David Thoreau
Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations. – Henry David Thoreau
It is remarkable how closely the history of the apple tree is connected with that of man. – Henry David Thoreau
In the meanest are all the materials of manhood, only they are not rightly disposed. – Henry David Thoreau
Alas! how little does the memory of these human inhabitants enhance the beauty of the landscape! – Henry David Thoreau
Some are reputed sick and some are not. It often happens that the sicker man is the nurse to the sounder. – Henry David Thoreau
Nay, be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought. – Henry David Thoreau
A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone. – Henry David Thoreau
Nature puts no question and answers none which we mortals ask. She has long ago taken her resolution. – Henry David Thoreau
I was more independent than any farmer in Concord, for I was not anchored to a house or farm, but could follow the bent of my genius, which is a very crooked one, every moment. – Henry David Thoreau
What old people say you cannot do, you try and find that you can. Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new. – Henry David Thoreau
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. – Henry David Thoreau
The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. – Henry David Thoreau
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
Front yards are not made to walk in, but, at most, through, and you could go in the back way. – Henry David Thoreau
To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea. – Henry David Thoreau
It is an interesting question how far men would retain their relative rank if they were divested of their clothes. – Henry David Thoreau
Is the babe young? When I behold it, it seems more venerable than the oldest man. – Henry David Thoreau
