The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way.

Quote by Henry David Thoreau

Topics: Government Quotes

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.

To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit...

To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit...

As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.

As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.

The best thing a man can do for his culture when he is rich is...

The best thing a man can do for his culture when he is rich is...

Men have become the tools of their tools.

Men have become the tools of their tools.

All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan,...

All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan,...

How often we find ourselves turning our backs on our actual friends, that we might...

How often we find ourselves turning our backs on our actual friends, that we might...

If the machine of government is of such a nature that it requires you to...

If the machine of government is of such a nature that it requires you to...

Life does not require us to make good; it asks only that we give our...

Life does not require us to make good; it asks only that we give our...

Goodness is the only investment that never fails.

Goodness is the only investment that never fails.

As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will...

As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will...

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,...

Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,...

The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns...

The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns...

This life is not for complaint, but for satisfaction

This life is not for complaint, but for satisfaction

I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude

I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude

Faith never makes a confession.

Faith never makes a confession.

Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.

Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves.

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth

A lie has speed, but truth has endurance.

A lie has speed, but truth has endurance.

A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that...

A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that...