Henry David Thoreau

I think that there is nothing, not even crime, more opposed to poetry, to philosophy, ay, to life itself than this incessant business.

Must be out-of-doors enough to get experience of wholesome reality, as a ballast to thought and sentiment. Health requires this relaxation, this aimless life.

To say that a man is your Friend, means commonly no more than this, that he is not your enemy. Most contemplate only what would be the accidental and trifling advantages of Friendship, as that the Friend can assist in time of need by his substance, or his influence, or his counsel. Even the utmost goodwill and harmony and practical kindness are not sufficient for Friendship, for Friends do not live in harmony merely, as some say, but in melody.

Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

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

Softness has such a power to it. When you choose to soften into something, it relaxes, opens, tension releases. Stuck energy flows like blood coursing through veins, bringing much needed oxygen. Life force and warmth enters, connection is rekindled. Find the trust you need to allow softness in; it really is healing.

Self-sacrifice enables us to sacrifice other people without blushing.

Everything’s fine today, that is our illusion.

If a man’s fortune does not fit him, it is like the shoe in the story; if too large it trips him up, if too small it pinches him.

Courage is rightly considered the foremost of the virtues, for upon it, all others depend.

Friendship . . . is an Union of Spirits, a Marriage of Hearts, and the Bond thereof Vertue.

Then spare the rod and spoil the child.

What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.

God’s first creature, which was light.

The love of economy is the root of all virtue.

Looking? Found someone you have, eh?

A strenuous soul hates cheap success.

Studies serve for delight, for ornaments, and for ability.

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.

Turn on the prudent ant thy heedful eyes. Observe her labors, sluggard, and be wise.