Yesterday, July 12, was a special day: it was Henry David Thoreau’s birthday!
Who could forget reading the ever-confusing but nevertheless inspiring Walden as assigned reading in high school or college? Although I didn’t exactly warm up to the idea of living out in the woods after reading it, I still found Thoreau’s transcendentalist philosophy thought-provoking. His insights about returning to nature make life seem a lot simpler. Thoreau’s words of wisdom are timeless, considering that his quotes adorn classroom posters and coffee mugs seemingly everywhere.
Here are some of my favorite uplifting (and least confusing) quotes from Thoreau!
- “Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.”
- “Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all.”
- “Not till we are completely lost or turned around... do we begin to find ourselves.”
- “It's not worth our while to let our imperfections disturb us always.”
- “Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.”
- “Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live.”
- “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.”
I hope these words give you some encouragement on this Monday morning!
- Shea Kennedy
