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

Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song...

Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song...

If I seem to boast more than is becoming, my excuse is that I brag...

If I seem to boast more than is becoming, my excuse is that I brag...

Night is certainly more novel and less profane than day.

Night is certainly more novel and less profane than day.

To have done anything just for money is to have been truly idle.

To have done anything just for money is to have been truly idle.

Thought is the sculptor who can create the person you want to be.

Thought is the sculptor who can create the person you want to be.

I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and...

I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and...

One may discover a new side to his most intimate friend when for the first...

One may discover a new side to his most intimate friend when for the first...

That government is best which governs least.

That government is best which governs least.

I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for...

I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for...

The bluebird carries the sky on his back.

The bluebird carries the sky on his back.

We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal and then leap in the...

We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal and then leap in the...

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.

A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish...

A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish...

Love is an attempt to change a piece of a dream-world into reality.

Love is an attempt to change a piece of a dream-world into reality.

Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable...

Shall I not have intelligence with the earth? Am I not partly leaves and vegetable...

If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.

If we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.

In the meanest are all the materials of manhood, only they are not rightly disposed.

In the meanest are all the materials of manhood, only they are not rightly disposed.

The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.

The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.

I don't understand why Europeans and South Americans can take more sophistication. Why is it...

I don't understand why Europeans and South Americans can take more sophistication. Why is it...

Happiness is the real sense of fulfillment that comes from hard work.

Happiness is the real sense of fulfillment that comes from hard work.