We are apt to imagine that this hubbub of Philosophy,…

We are apt to imagine that this hubbub of Philosophy, Literature, and Religion, which is heard in pulpits, lyceums, and parlors, vibrates through the universe, and is as catholic a sound as the creaking of the earth’s axle. But if a man sleeps soundly, he will forget it all between sunset and dawn.

Sourced, Journals (1838-1859)

January 6, 1842

Other Henry David Thoreau Quotes

My life is like a stroll upon the beach,
As near the ocean’s edge as I can go. - View Quote Details on My life is like a stroll upon the beach,
As…
I think his fancy for referring everything to the meridian of Concord did not grow out of any ignorance or depreciation of other longitudes or latitudes, but was rather a playful expression of his conviction of the indifferency of all places, and that the best place for each is where he stands. He expressed it once in this wise: — “I think nothing is to be hoped from you, if this bit of mould under your feet is not sweeter to you to eat than any other in this world, or in any world.” - View Quote Details on I think his fancy for referring everything to the meridian…
And now, at half-past ten o’clock, I hear the cockerels crow in Hubbard’s barns, and morning is already anticipated. It is the feathered, wakeful thought in us that anticipates the following day. - View Quote Details on And now, at half-past ten o’clock, I hear the cockerels…
…men remain in their present low and primitive condition; but if they should feel the influence of the spring of springs arousing them, they would of necessity rise to a higher and more ethereal life. - View Quote Details on …men remain in their present low and primitive condition; but…
Truth, Goodness, Beauty — those celestial thrins,
Continually are born; e’en now the Universe,
With thousand throats, and eke with greener smiles,
Its joy confesses at their recent birth. - View Quote Details on Truth, Goodness, Beauty — those celestial thrins,
Continually are born; e’en…
The title wise is, for the most part, falsely applied. How can one be a wise man, if he does not know any better how to live than other men? — if he is only more cunning and intellectually subtle? - View Quote Details on The title wise is, for the most part, falsely applied…
It takes two to speak the truth, — one to speak, and another to hear. - View Quote Details on It takes two to speak the truth, — one to…
The progress from an absolute to a limited monarchy, from a limited monarchy to a democracy, is a progress toward a true respect for the individual. - View Quote Details on The progress from an absolute to a limited monarchy, from…
The bluebird carries the sky on his back. - View Quote Details on The bluebird carries the sky on his back.
Every poet has trembled on the verge of science. - View Quote Details on Every poet has trembled on the verge of science.