Henry David Thoreau Quotes

How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book.

• reading
• books

Man is the artificer of his own happiness.

• attitude

Our houses are such unwieldy property that we are often imprisoned rather than housed in them.

• home

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.

• uniqueness

He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul's estate.

• self improvement

There will never be a really free and enlightened state until the state comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.

• government

It is not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is, 'What are we busy about?'

• priorities

Did you ever hear of a man who had striven all his life faithfully and singly toward an object, and in no measure obtained it? If a man constantly aspires, is he not elevated?

• goals
• persistence
• ambition

In the long run men hit only what they aim at.

• goals