In war, in some sense, lies the very genius of law. It is law creative and active; it is the first principle of the law. What is human warfare but just this, - an effort to make the laws of God and nature take sides with one party. Men make an arbitrary code, and, because it is not right, they try to make it prevail by might. The moral law does not want any champion. Its asserters do not go to war. It was never infringed with impunity. It is inconsistent to decry war and maintain law, for if there were no need of war there would be no need of law.

As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may seem, am satisfied that it does not agree with my constitution.

Men have a respect for scholarship and learning greatly out of proportion to the use they commonly serve.

Thus was my first year's life in the woods completed; and the second year was similar to it. I finally left Walden September 6th,1847.

We should impart our courage and not our despair.

In an unjust society the only place for a just man is prison.

I have a deep sympathy with war; it so apes the gait and bearing of the soul.