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 rich man is always sold to the institution which makes him rich. Absolutely speaking,...

The rich man is always sold to the institution which makes him rich. Absolutely speaking,...

Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises?...

Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises?...

Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.

Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.

Measure your health by your sympathy with morning and Spring. If there is no response...

Measure your health by your sympathy with morning and Spring. If there is no response...

Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.

Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.

As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I...

As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I...

Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.

Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the...

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the...

While civilization has been improving our houses, it has not equally improved the men who...

While civilization has been improving our houses, it has not equally improved the men who...

I was not designed to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion. Let...

I was not designed to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion. Let...

Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it...

Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it...

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.

Nothing goes by luck in composition. It allows of no tricks. The best you can...

Nothing goes by luck in composition. It allows of no tricks. The best you can...

In eternity there is indeed something true and sublime. But all these times and places...

In eternity there is indeed something true and sublime. But all these times and places...

To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a...

To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a...

It is characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things.

It is characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things.

Good poetry seems too simple and natural a thing that when we meet it we...

Good poetry seems too simple and natural a thing that when we meet it we...

We hate the kindness which we understand.

We hate the kindness which we understand.

Kindness is wisdom.

Kindness is wisdom.

Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent.

Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent.