I saw that the State was half-witted, that it was timid as a lone woman with her silver spoons, and that it did not know its friends from its foes, and I lost all my remaining respect for it, and pitied it.

As in many countries precious metals belong to the crown, so here more precious natural objects of rare beauty should belong to the public.

I have great faith in a seed.

In winter we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts, whose windows and doors are halfconcealed, but from whose chimneys the smoke cheerfully ascends.... We enjoy now, not an Oriental, but a Boreal leisure, around warm stoves and fireplaces, and watch the shadow of motes in the sunbeams.

It is tranquil people who accomplish much.

For the most part we allow only outlying and transient circumstances to make our occasions. They are, in fact, the cause of our distraction.

Many have believed that Walden reached quite through to the other side of the globe.