Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau (see name pronunciation; July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862) was an American author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, and historian. A leading transcendentalist, 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.

“When it comes time to die, let us not discover that we have never lived.”  Henry David Thoreau

“My greatest skill has been to want but little.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” Henry David Thoreau

“I never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude.” Henry David Thoreau

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Henry David Thoreau

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment.” Henry David Thoreau

“Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.” Henry David Thoreau

“Our life is frittered away by detail… simplify, simplify.” Henry David Thoreau

“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” Henry David Thoreau