Many, no doubt, are well disposed, but sluggish by constitution and habit, and they cannot conceive of a man who is actuated by higher motives than they are. Accordingly they pronounce this man insane, for they know that they could never act as he does, as long as they are themselves.
Henry David ThoreauWe now no longer camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven.
Henry David ThoreauI am accustomed to think very long of going anywhere,--am slow to move. I hope to hear a response of the oracle first.
Henry David ThoreauGlances of true beauty can be seen in the faces of those who live in true meekness.
Henry David ThoreauNature must be viewed humanly to be viewed at all; that is, her scenes must be associated with humane affections, such as are associated with one's native place. She is most significant to a lover. A lover of Nature is preeminently a lover of man. If I have no friend, what is Nature to me? She ceases to be morally significant. . .
Henry David Thoreau