3,409 Quotes by Henry David Thoreau

The sparrow seems always chipper, never infirm. We do not see their bodies lie about. Yet, there is a tragedy at the end of each one of their lives. They must perish miserably; not one of them is translated.

As in geology, so in social institutions, we may discover the causes of all past changes in the present invariable order of society.

He is blessed over all mortals who loses no moment of the passing life in remembering the past.

I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance than I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.

It is usually the imagination that is wounded first, rather than the heart it being much more sensitive.

Some interests have got a footing on the earth which we have not made sufficient allowance for.

It is remarkable how many creatures live wild and free though secret in the woods.