Henry David Thoreau

What sort of philosophers are we, who know absolutely nothing about the origin and destiny of cats?

Water is the only drink for a wise man.

However intense my experience, I am conscious of the presence and criticism of a part of me, which, as it were, is not a part of me, but a spectator, sharing no experience, but taking note of it, and that is no more I than it is you. When the play, it may be the tragedy, of life is over, the spectator goes his way. It was a kind of fiction, a work of the imagination only, so far as he was concerned.

I have lived some thirty-odd years on this planet, and I have yet to hear the first syllable of valuable or even earnest advice from my seniors.

Give me the poverty that enjoys true wealth.

There is no remedy for love, but to love more.

The most advanced nations are always those who navigate the most.

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.

Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still.

Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the gods.

Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership.

That virtue we appreciate is as much ours as another s. We see so much only as we possess.

He gains everyone’s approval who mixes the pleasant with the useful.

Whoever thinks of going to bed before twelve o clock is a scoundrel.

The world is full of hopeful analogies and handsome, dubious eggs, called possibilities.

The world will only, in the end, follow those who have despised as well as served it.

Every mind must make its choice between truth and repose. It cannot have both.

A good scare is worth more than good advice.

True irreverence is disrespect for another man’s god.

Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair.