I do not wish to flatter my townsmen, nor to be flattered by them, for that will not advance either of us. We need to be provoked— goaded like oxen, as we are, into a trot.

I do not wish to flatter my townsmen, nor to be flattered by them, for that will not advance either of us. We need to be provoked— goaded like oxen, as we are, into a trot.

Henry David Thoreau · Walden, and On The Duty Of Civil Disobedience

What should we think of the shepherd’s life if his flocks always wandered to higher pastures than his thoughts?

Henry David Thoreau · Walden

He who gives himself entirely to his fellow-men appears to them useless and selfish; but he who gives himself partially to them is pronounced a benefactor and philanthropist.

Henry David Thoreau · Walden

Olympus is but the outside of the earth everywhere.

Henry David Thoreau · Walden, and On The Duty Of Civil Disobedience

In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.

Henry David Thoreau · Walden, and On The Duty Of Civil Disobedience