"The man of genius, like a dog..." - Quote by Henry David Thoreau
The man of genius, like a dog with a bone, or the slave who has swallowed a diamond, or a patient with the gravel, sits afar and retired, off the road, hangs out no sign of refreshment for man and beast, but says, by all possible hints and signs, I wish to be alone,--good-by,--fare-well. But the Landlord can afford to live without privacy.
More by Henry David Thoreau
“The change from storm and winter to serene and mild weather, from dark and sluggish hours to bright and elastic ones, is a memorable crisis which all things proclaim. It is seemingly instantaneous at last.”
“To be a philosopher... is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically.”
“The stars are distant and unobtrusive, but bright and enduring as our fairest and most memorable experiences.”
More on Solitude
“To watch this crystal globe just sent from heaven to associate with me. While these clouds and this somber drizzling weather shut all in, we two draw nearer and know one another.”
“I worked probably 25 years by myself, just writing and working, not trying to publish much, not giving readings.”
“If we face the fact, for it is a fact, that there is no arm to cling to, but that we go alone and that our relation is to the world of reality and not only to the world of men and women.”
More on Genius
“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”
“I've never met a genius. A genius to me is someone who does well at something he hates. Anybody can do well at something he loves - it's just a question of finding the subject.”
“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”