Quotes by Henry David Thoreau

About Henry David Thoreau:

Henry David Thoreau is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay Resistance to Civil Government (also known as Civil Disobedience), an argument for disobedience to an unjust state.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.

Henry David Thoreau

Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life so. Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.

Henry David Thoreau

Goodness is the only investment that never fails.

Henry David Thoreau

A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting.

Henry David Thoreau

Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.

Henry David Thoreau

Be not simply good - be good for something.

Henry David Thoreau

There is more of good nature than of good sense at the bottom of most marriages.

Henry David Thoreau

I have seen how the foundations of the world are laid, and I have not the least doubt that it will stand a good while.

Henry David Thoreau

As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may seem, am satisfied that it does not agree with my constitution.

Henry David Thoreau

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.

Henry David Thoreau

True friendship can afford true knowledge. It does not depend on darkness and ignorance.

Henry David Thoreau

A man cannot be said to succeed in this life who does not satisfy one friend.

Henry David Thoreau

I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.

Henry David Thoreau

When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.

Henry David Thoreau

The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.

Henry David Thoreau

Faith keeps many doubts in her pay. If I could not doubt, I should not believe.

Henry David Thoreau

Faith never makes a confession.

Henry David Thoreau

What is human warfare but just this; an effort to make the laws of God and nature take sides with one party.

Henry David Thoreau

God reigns when we take a liberal view, when a liberal view is presented to us.

Henry David Thoreau

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

Henry David Thoreau

Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.

Henry David Thoreau

Author Bio

  • NameHenry David Thoreau
  • Description1817-1862 American author, abolitionist, naturalist
  • BornJuly 12, 1817
  • DiedMay 6, 1862
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionWriter; Poet; Philosopher; Essayist; Autobiographer