Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling.
Henry David ThoreauWealth cannot purchase any great private solace or convenience. Riches are only the means of sociality.
Henry David ThoreauAbsolutely speaking, Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you is by no means a golden rule, but the best of current silver. An honest man would have but little occasion for it. It is golden not to have any rule at all in such a case.
Henry David ThoreauThere is something servile in the habit of seeking after a law which we may obey. We may study the laws of matter at and for our convenience, but a successful life knows no law.
Henry David ThoreauA man's social and spiritual discipline must answer to his corporeal. He must lean on a friend who has a hard breast, as he wouldlie on a hard bed. He must drink cold water for his only beverage. So he must not hear sweetened and colored words, but pure and refreshing truths. He must daily bathe in truth cold as spring water, not warmed by the sympathy of friends.
Henry David Thoreau