3,409 Quotes by Henry David Thoreau

For the most part we stupidly confound one man with another. The dull distinguish only races or nations, or at most classes, but the wise man, individuals.

Many old people receive pensions for no other reason, it seems to me, but as a compensation for having lived a long time ago.

What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.

Why will we be imposed on by antiquity?

That man is richest who's pleasure are cheapest.

I do believe that the outward and the inward life correspond; that if any should succeed to live a higher life, others would not know of it; that difference and distance are one. To set about living a true life is to go on a journey to a distant country, gradually to find ourselves surrounded by new scenes and men; and as long as the old are around me, I know that I am not in any true sense living a new or a better life.

Many men go fishing their entire lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

I expect a time when, or rather an integrity by which, a man will get his coat as honestly and as perfectly fitting as a tree itsbark. Now our garments are typical of our conformity to the ways of the world, i.e., of the devil, and to some extent react on us and poison us, like that shirt which Hercules put on.

I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, and obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board.