Henry David Thoreau

We seem but to linger in manhood to tell the dreams of our childhood, and they vanish out of memory ere we learn the language.

Even the best things are not equal to their fame.

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.

The really efficient laborer will be found not to crowd his day with work, but will saunter to his task surrounded by a wide halo of ease and leisure.

The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.

What does education often do? It makes a straight-cut ditch of a free, meandering brook.

If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.

I don’t think the human mind can comprehend the past and the future. They are both just illusions that can manipulate you into thinking theres some kind of change.

Be a lamp, a lifeboat, a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.

Nature is often hidden, sometimes overcome, seldom extinguished.

Life is tough, my darling, but so are you.

Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.

What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin.

Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can.

For many years I was a self-appointed inspector of snowstorms and rainstorms and did my duty faithfully, though I never received payment for it.

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.

What do sad complaints avail if the offense is not cut down by punishment.

A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.

Energy doesn’t lie so trust those vibes you’re getting.

Despite the enormous quantity of books, how few people read! And if one reads profitably, one would realize how much stupid stuff the vulgar herd is content to swallow every day.