American essayist, poet, and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau was a leading transcendentalist and author of the book ‘Walden.’
His essay ‘Civil Disobedience,’ which argued for disobedience to an unjust state, has influenced many political movements.
1 What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us. -Henry David Thoreau
One should not pay too much attention to their past or future. What happens in the present is much more significant compared to what lies behind or ahead of us.
2 Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all. -Henry David Thoreau
There is an infinite number of books to read, but since our time is limited, starting with the best ones is better because you may not get the chance to read them later in life.
3 Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it. -Henry David Thoreau
Making foolish rules can cause more damage than not following any rules at all. Instead of obeying them blindly, we should be able to think critically and question them.
4 Be not simply good – be good for something. -Henry David Thoreau
Only pretending to be a good person will not bring about any difference in society. Your actions speak louder than your words. Hence, do things that make the world a better place.
5 Things do not change; we change. -Henry David Thoreau
Our perspective determines our reality. The environment has little impact on our lives. How we react to external factors is what changes everything.
6 What is once well done is done forever. -Henry David Thoreau
When people work towards their goals diligently, they are able to achieve great things in life. They leave a mark on the world and continue to be a source of inspiration for the next generations.
7 This world is but a canvas to our imagination. -Henry David Thoreau
There is no limit to what our mind can do. People who want to change the world for the better are always curious to find creative ideas and implement them. The world is shaped by our imagination.
8 I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor. -Henry David Thoreau
Being insightful makes you realize your true potential. As long as a person is unaware of his limitations, they will never be able to make good progress in life.
9 There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself. -Henry David Thoreau
Stop believing that external things will bring value to your life. You have the ability to change what you don’t like. The moment you shift your perspective, you’ll find happiness.
10 If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment. -Henry David Thoreau
Good and bad are two sides of the same coin. Even in the most difficult times, you can find positivity. Don’t lose hope.
11 If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. -Henry David Thoreau
If you’re persistent despite everything, one day you will definitely become successful. Just keep moving forward because you never know how your future might turn out to be.
12 It is what a man thinks of himself that really determines his fate. -Henry David Thoreau
Fate is nothing but a result of our own decisions. Every action shapes our life. When you start being responsible for your actions, you will be able to live more independently.
13 Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant? -Henry David Thoreau
The world would be a better place if we start empathizing with others. People want to be treated with kindness. Compassion can motivate them to spread positivity.
14 I am grateful for what I am and have, my thanksgiving is perpetual. -Henry David Thoreau
Take a moment everyday to reflect on your life and be grateful for everything you have. Think about the people who kept encouraging you to achieve your goals.
15 The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready. -Henry David Thoreau
Being self-reliant will give you the freedom to live without depending on others. You must learn to live life on your own terms because those who have the courage to walk alone are not afraid of facing adversity.
15 Life Quotes by Henry David Thoreau
1. What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us. -Henry David Thoreau
2. Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all. -Henry David Thoreau
3. Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it. -Henry David Thoreau
4. Be not simply good – be good for something. -Henry David Thoreau
5. Things do not change; we change. -Henry David Thoreau
6. What is once well done is done forever. -Henry David Thoreau
7. This world is but a canvas to our imagination. -Henry David Thoreau
8. I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor. -Henry David Thoreau
9. There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself. -Henry David Thoreau
10. If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment. -Henry David Thoreau
11. If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. -Henry David Thoreau
12. It is what a man thinks of himself that really determines his fate. -Henry David Thoreau
13. Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant? -Henry David Thoreau
14. I am grateful for what I am and have, my thanksgiving is perpetual. -Henry David Thoreau
15. The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready. -Henry David Thoreau
