Henry David Thoreau

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.

This American government – what is it but a tradition, though a recent one, endeavoring to transmit itself unimpaired to posterity, but each instant losing some of its integrity? It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will.

All misfortune is but a stepping stone to fortune.

After the first blush of sin comes its indifference.

However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are the richest.

My facts shall be falsehoods to the common sense. I would so state facts that they shall be significant, shall be myths or mythologies. Facts which the mind perceived, thoughts which the body thought – with these I deal.

If you and I are having a single thought of violence or hatred against anyone in the world at this moment, we are contributing to the wounding of the world.

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.

The world is populated in the main by people who should not exist.

Each thought that is welcomed and recorded is a nest egg by the side of which more will be laid.

There isn’t a single human characteristic that can be safely labeled as American.

I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversation.

There is no satisfaction in hanging a man who does not object to it.

Beware the barrenness of a busy life.

The possibility of stepping into a higher plane is quite real for everyone. It requires no force or effort or sacrifice. It involves little more than changing our ideas about what is normal.

Good manners are made up of petty sacrifices.

A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.

If the announcer can produce the impression that he is a gentlemen, he may pronounce as he pleases.

Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much.

Whatever you have spend less.

All the reasonings of men are not worth one sentiment of women.