Perspectives; Henry David Thoreau

[CelticWarlord]

Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862) was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher. A leading transcendentalist, Thoreau is best known for his book Walden , a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay “Civil Disobedience” (originally published as “Resistance to Civil Government”), an argument for disobedience to an unjust state. Thoreau’s books, articles, essays, journals, and poetry amount to more than 20 volumes.

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“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. From the desperate city you go into the desperate country, and have to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind. There is no play in them, for this comes after work. But it is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things…”

“I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.”

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”

“Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.”

“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 he hears, however measured or far away.”

“Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.”

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

 

[Greenfields]

Was he an introvert ?
Simplify,I’m with that
When life is feeling overwhelming ,getting back to basics,taking notice of simple everyday enjoyable moments works…gifts in nature from God .The word resign is a funny one,usually something instinct might say to rebel against,but there is healthy resignation also (?)

 

[ralfyman]

That’s a superb collection of essays.

 

[Zach]

He might have been an introvert but despite the misperception that he was some kind of misanthrope and loner he was quite gregarious and social.

He was my favorite author in my 20s. I read and reread just about everything he wrote. One of the great stylists. The clarity and sharpness of his prose are as good as any. Beyond writing he had many skills. Pencil making, carpentry, masonry, farming, all around handyman, surveyor, botanist.