the Thoreau Log.
1 August 1841. Concord, Mass.

Thoreau writes in his journal:

  The best thought is not only without sombreness, but even without morality. The universe lies out spread in floods of white light to it. The moral aspect of nature is a jaundice reflected from man. To the innocent there are no cherubim nor angels. Occasionally we rise above the necessity of virtue into an unchangeable morning light, in which we have not to choose in a dilemma between right and wrong, but simply to live right on and breathe the circumambient air. There is no name for this life unless it be the very vitality of vita. Silent is the preacher about this, and silent must ever be, for he who knows it will not preach.
(Journal, 1:265)

Log Index


Log Pages

Donation

$