"The book exists for us perchance which..." - Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“We seem to have forgotten that the expression "a liberal education" originally meant among the Romans one worthy of free men; while the learning of trades and professions by which to get your livelihood merely, was considered worthy of slaves only. But taking a hint from the word, I would go a step further and say, that it is not the man of wealth and leisure simply, though devoted to art, or science, or literature, who, in a true sense, is liberally educated, but only the earnest and free man.”

“Every tree sends its fibres forth in search of the Wild. The cities import it at any price. Men plow and sail for it. From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and barks which brace mankind.”

“All voting is a sort of gaming, like checkers or backgammon, with a slight moral tinge to it, a playing with right and wrong, with moral questions; and betting naturally accompanies it. The character of the voters is not staked. I cast my vote, perchance, as I think right; but I am not vitally concerned that right should prevail. I am willing to leave it to the majority.”

“Sound and sufficient reason falls, after all, to the share of but few men, and those few men exert their influence in silence.”

“If your head is made of wax, don't walk in the sun”

“Love your Neighbour; yet don't pull down your Hedge.”

“You lovers of knowledge! So what have you done out of your love of knowledge up to now? Have you already stolen and murdered so as to know how a thief and a murderer feels?”

“Books take their place according to their specific gravity as surely as potatoes in a tub.”

“Knowledge is NOT power. Knowledge is only POTENTIAL power. Action is power.”