The discoveries which we make abroad are special and particular; those which we make at home are general and significant. The further off, the nearer the surface. The nearer home, the deeper.

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.

I pray that the life of this spring and summer may ever lie fair in my memory.

There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.

As for Doing-good, that is one of the professions which are full.

I have made a very rude translation of the Seven against Thebes, and Pindar too I have looked at, and wish he was better worth translating. I believe even the best things are not equal to their fame. Perhaps it would be better to translate fame itself,--or is not that what the poets themselves do? However, I have not done with Pindar yet.

A journal, is a book that shall contain a record of all your joy, your ecstasy, what you are grateful for.