Henry David Thoreau quotes
Beautiful Thoreau quotes about nature, love, solitude
Henry David Thoreau was an American author, poet, and philosopher, who is recognized for his essential contributions to the movement of New England transcendentalism. His works largely focus on two central subjects, nature and social justice, and his life’s work has left us with evidence that these two fundamental ideas are inextricably intertwined.
Thoreau was well ahead of his time, as he used his platform to advocate for an end to racism, attention to climate change, and the importance of democracy and individual freedom of expression. His core belief system involved a return to simplistic minimalism, to enjoying our natural surroundings, and preserving our natural resources for future generations to come. The earth is our greatest asset and our greatest teacher.
We can learn valuable lessons from simply being still in our surroundings, from becoming one with nature, and giving ourselves over tothe abundance of peace and calm that is found in natural elements. If we don’t take proper care to protect the earth from environmental threats, the human race will continue to suffer from the negative effects. We can use the quotes and teachings of Henry David Thoreau to be reminded of the severe consequences that can come when social intolerance and environmental disregard are widely accepted.
- It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. - Henry David Thoreau
- You must not only aim right, but draw the bow with allyour might. - Henry David Thoreau
Inspiring Thoreau quotes
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The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.
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I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
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Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.
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You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.
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We are constantly invited to be who we are.
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Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.
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The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.
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What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?
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Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live.
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Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?
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I have no doubt that it is part of the destiny of the human race in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals.
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If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.
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Our life is frittered away by detail...simplify, simplify.
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Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life so. Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.
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We are born as innocents. We are polluted by advice.
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In a world of peace and love, music would be the universal language.
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If I am not I, who will be?
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I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.
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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 he hears, however measured or far away.
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Night is certainly more novel and less profane than day.