Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862) was an American author, poet, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, historian, philosopher, and leading transcendentalist. He is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay, Civil Disobedience, an argument for individual resistance to civil government in moral opposition to an unjust state.

“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.” – Henry David Thoreau

“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”  – Henry David Thoreau

“Go confidently in the direction of your DREAMS. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

“How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live. – Henry David Thoreau

“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” – Henry David Thoreau

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.”  – Henry David Thoreau

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; there is where they belong. Now put foundations under them.” – Henry David Thoreau

“In the long run, you hit only what you aim at: Therefore aim high.” – Henry David Thoreau

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Many men go fishing all their lives not knowing it is not fish they are after.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Men are born to succeed, not to fail.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau

“The language of friendship is not words but meanings. “ – Henry David Thoreau

“The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.” – Henry David Thoreau

“The world is but a canvas to the imagination.” – Henry David Thoreau

“What is once well done is done forever.” – Henry David Thoreau

“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?” – Henry David Thoreau