Henry David Thoreau Quotes

Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end.

Henry David Thoreau

Poetry implies the whole truth, philosophy expresses only a particle of it.

Henry David Thoreau

The boy gathers materials for a temple, and then when he is thirty, concludes to build a woodshed.

Henry David Thoreau

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.

Henry David Thoreau

Through our own recovered innocence we discern the innocence of our neighbors.

Henry David Thoreau

Speech is for the convenience of those who are hard of hearing; but there are many fine things which we cannot say if we have to shout.

Henry David Thoreau

To have done anything just for money is to have been truly idle.

Henry David Thoreau

We are not what we are, nor do we treat or esteem each other for such, but for what we are capable of being.

Henry David Thoreau

Gardening is civil and social, but it wants the vigor and freedom of the forest and the outlaw.

Henry David Thoreau

We perceive and are affected by changes too subtle to be described.

Henry David Thoreau

Love is an attempt to change a piece of a dream-world into reality

Henry David Thoreau

Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them

Henry David Thoreau

There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted.

Henry David Thoreau

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.

Henry David Thoreau

An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.

Henry David Thoreau

Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.

Henry David Thoreau