5 Henry David Thoreau Quotes on Meaning

Henry David Thoreau quotes on meaning

9. It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?

10. Let me suggest a theme for you: to state to yourself precisely and completely what that walk over the mountains amounted to for you, - returning to this essay again and again, until you are satisfied that all that was important in your experience is in it. Give this good reason to yourself for having gone over the mountains, for mankind is ever going over a mountain. Don't suppose that you can tell it precisely the first dozen times you try, but at 'em again, especially when, after a sufficient pause, you suspect that you are touching the heart or summit of the matter, reiterate your blows there, and account for the mountain to yourself. Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short.

100. What are the earth and all its interests beside the deep surmise which pierces and scatters them?

129. Most men would feel insulted, if it were proposed to employ them in throwing stones over a wall, and then in throwing them back, merely that they might earn their wages. But many are no more worthily employed now.

154. We do not live for idle amusement. I would not run round a corner to see the world blow up.