Of course it is of no use to direct our steps to the woods, if they do not carry us thither. I am alarmed when it happens that I have walked a mile into the woods bodily, without getting there in spirit.... What business have I in the woods, if I am thinking of something out of the woods?
Henry David ThoreauIn the religion of all nations a purity is hinted at, which, I fear, men never attain to.
Henry David ThoreauWhere there is an observatory and a telescope, we expect that any eyes will see new worlds at once.
Henry David ThoreauBut man's capacities have never been measured; nor are we to judge of what he can do by any precedents, so little have been tried.
Henry David ThoreauEvery nail driven should be as another rivet in the machine of the universe, you carrying on the work.
Henry David ThoreauAs the truest society approaches always nearer to solitude, so the most excellent speech finally falls into Silence. Silence is audible to all men, at all times, and in all places. She is when we hear inwardly, sound when we hear outwardly. Creation has not displaced her, but is her visible framework and foil. All sounds are her servants, and purveyors, proclaiming not only that their mistress is, but is a rare mistress, and earnestly to be sought after.
Henry David Thoreau