Henry D. Thoreau

1817 - 1862 *

American writer and philosopher, remembered for his autobiographic Walden, and his naturalist style

American essayist, poet, and practical philosopher, best-known for his autobiographical story of life in the woods, WALDEN (1854). Thoreau became one of the leading personalities in New England Transcendentalism. He wrote tirelessly but earned from his books and journalism little. Thoreau's CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE (1849) influenced Gandhi in his passive resistance campaigns, Martin Luther King, Jr., and at one time the politics of the British Labour Party.

"For many years I was self-appointed inspector of snowstorms and rainstorms, and did my duty faithfully, through I never receive... [read entire biography]

          Source: Petri Liukkonen

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My life is like a stroll upon the beach,
As near the ocean's edge as I can go. -- The Fisher's Boy.

Henry David Thoreau

I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. -- Solitude.

Henry David Thoreau

Whate'er we leave to God, God does
And blesses us. -- Inspiration.

Henry David Thoreau

I hear beyond the range of sound,
I see beyond the range of sight,
New earths and skies and seas around,
And in my day the sun doth pale his light. -- Inspiration.

Henry David Thoreau

She with one breath attunes the spheres,
And also my poor human heart. -- Inspiration.

Henry David Thoreau

Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind. -- Walden.

Henry David Thoreau

It is true, I never assisted the sun materially in his rising; but, doubt not, it was of the last importance only to be present at it. -- Walden.

Henry David Thoreau

For many years I was self-appointed inspector of snow-storms and rain-storms and did my duty faithfully. -- Walden.

Henry David Thoreau

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* Some dates of birth and death are approximated. If this is the case, see note at the end of biography, above. Dates of birth and death are AD, unless otherwise specified.