Henry David Thoreau Quotations: LIFE
The book exists for us perchance which will explain our miracles and reveal new ones. The at present unutterable things we may find somewhere uttered. These same questions that disturb and puzzle and confound us have in their turn occurred to all the wise men; not one has been omitted; and each has answered them, according to his ability, by his words and his life.—Walden
The chief want is ever a life of deep experiences.—Journal, 8 June 1854
The common perch . . . . is the firmest and toughest of our fishes and by those who are not epicures most preferred for food.—Journal, after 1 August 1844
The death of friends should inspire us as much as their lives. If they are great and rich enough, they will leave consolation to the mourners before the expenses of their funerals.—Journal, 19 February 1842
The death scenes of great men are agreeable to consider only when they make another and harmonious chapter of their lives.—"Sir Walter Raleigh"
The Deity would be reverenced, not feared.—Early Essays and Miscellanies
The fact is, you have got to take the world on your shoulders like Atlas, and "put along" with it. You will do this for an idea's sake, and your success will be in proportion to your devotion to ideas. It may make your back ache occasionally, but you will have the satisfaction of hanging it or twirling it to suit yourself.—Thoreau to H.G.O. Blake, 20 May 1860
The forcible writer stands bodily behind his words with his experience. He does not make books out of books, but he has been there in person.—Journal, 3 February 1852
The great and solitary heart will love alone, without the knowledge of its object. It cannot have society in its love. It will expend its love as the cloud drops rain upon the fields over which [it] floats.—Journal, 15 March 1842
The greater or less abundance of food determines migrations.—Journal, 23 April 1852
