Inspiring Henry David Thoreau Quotations
Several Selected Quotes That Inspire and Enlighten
Aug 19, 2009
Thoreau’s famous quotations display an undeniable appreciation for human variation and individuality. He teaches one to respect his or her implicit insight over the explicit expectations of society. Thoreau’s unique perspective about life and society has allowed his work to live on in esteemed literature and in the classrooms throughout America.
The following quotations are here to encourage one to take pride in oneself; regardless of worldly possessions or social class. The accompanying analysis represents one person’s interpretation of Thoreau’s views and should be understood as a catalyst for one’s own personal understanding. Take the time to read through these quotations and allow yourself to become enriched by Henry David Thoreau’s perspective.
Thoreau’s Quotations Regarding Individuality
- “Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”
- “What you get by achieving your goals is to as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
- “As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.”
- “As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.”
- “Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.”
The common thread which weaves together Thoreau’s views about individuality is his admiration for people who refuse to conform to societal norms if he or she differs from society. He recognizes that people vary within society and all variations are of equal value; worthy of exploration.
Thoreau’s Quotations Regarding Solitude and Friendship
- “The language of friendship is not words but meanings.”
- “I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go abroad among men than when we stay in our chambers. A man thinking or working is always alone, let him be where he will.”
- “I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.”
The previous three quotations are particularly interesting because they offer insight into what Thoreau valued as an individual. It is apparent that he finds significance in silence and solitude; gaining more from seclusion and deep thought than extroverted expression.
Thoreau uses silence and solitude as a way to examine and critique society; clearly feeling as though civilization is lacking from its inability to embrace loneliness.
Thoreau’s Quotations Regarding his Philosophy on Life and Self Worth
- ”There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.”
- ”This world is but a canvas to our imagination.”
- ”The universe is wider than our views of it.”
- ”If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.”
- “Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something.”
- ”What you get by achieving your goals is to as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
Henry David Thoreau’s philosophies about one’s self are interesting because they simultaneously acknowledge reality’s limitations but also suggest one’s individual control and ability to be enriched. Thoreau emphasizes the value of long term consequences and effects over short term observation and desire.
For more inspiring quotations, read some of the wise words of Albert Einstein.
For more Thoreau Quotes visit brainy quotes.
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