Henry David Thoreau Quotations: HUMANKIND
O how I laugh when I think of my vague, indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it—for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.—Thoreau to H. G. O. Blake, 6 December 1856
Of what consequence, though our planet explode, if there is no character involved in the explosion?—"Life without Principle"
One man lies in his words and gets a bad reputation—another in his manners and enjoys a good one.—Journal, 25 June 1852
One moment of serene and confident life is more glorious than a whole campaign of daring. We should be ready for all issues, not daring to die but daring to live.—Journal, 1839
Only character can command our reverent love. It is all mysteries in itself.—Journal, 12 December 1841
Only make something to take the place of something, and men will behave as it it was the very thing they wanted.—A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers
Our true character silently underlies all our words and actions, as the granite underlies the other strata.—Journal, 3 May 1841
Poets and philosophers and statesmen thus spring up in the country pastures, and outlast the hosts of unoriginal men.—"Wild Apples"
Revolutions are never sudden. Not one man, nor many men, in a few years or generations, suffice to regulate events and dispose mankind for the revolutionary movement. The hero is but the crowning stone of the pyramid,—the keystone of the arch.—Journal, 27 December 1837
Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only. Money is not required to buy one necessary of the soul.—Walden
