I do believe that the outward and the inward life correspond; that if any should succeed to live a higher life, others would not know of it; that difference and distance are one. To set about living a true life is to go on a journey to a distant country, gradually to find ourselves surrounded by new scenes and men; and as long as the old are around me, I know that I am not in any true sense living a new or a better life.
Henry David ThoreauI repeat that in this sense the most splendid court in Christendom is provincial, having authority to consult about Transalpine interests only, and not the affairs of Rome. A prรฆtor or proconsul would suffice to settle the questions which absorb the attention of the English Parliament and the American Congress.
Henry David ThoreauWe are not a religious people, but we are a nation of politicians. We do not care for the Bible, but we do care for the newspaper.At any meeting of politicianshow impertinent it would be to quote from the Bible! how pertinent to quote from a newspaper or from the Constitution!
Henry David ThoreauSome show their kindness to the poor by employing them in their kitchens. Would they not be kinder if they employed themselves there?
Henry David Thoreau