The success of great scholars and thinkers is commonly a courtier-like success, not kingly, not manly.
Henry David ThoreauCarlyle must undoubtedly plead guilty to the charge of mannerism. He not only has his vein, but his peculiar manner of working it.He has a style which can be imitated, and sometimes is an imitator of himself.
Henry David ThoreauThe ears were made, not for such trivial uses as men are wont to suppose, but to hear celestial sounds.
Henry David ThoreauThe mass never comes up to the standard of its best member, but on the contrary degrades itself to a level with the lowest.
Henry David ThoreauWith a little more deliberation in the choice of their pursuits, all men would perhaps become essentially students and observers, for certainly their nature and destiny are interesting to all alike.
Henry David ThoreauOnly nature has a right to grieve perpetually, for she only is innocent. Soon the ice will melt, and the blackbirds sing along the river which he frequented, as pleasantly as ever. The same everlasting serenity will appear in this face of God, and we will not be sorrowful, if he is not.
Henry David Thoreau