26
A wise man is never so busy as in the solitary contemplation of God and the works of Nature.
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27
Instead of an awkward silence, broken by attempts at wit or dull common-places, mine is that undisturbed silence of the heart which alone is perfect eloquence.
28
It asks a troublesome effort to ensure the admiration of others: it is a still greater one to be satisfied with one's own thoughts.
William Hazlittverified·On Living to One's-Self, in Table Talk: Essays on Men and Manners·January 1821
29
This west coast makes me remember with pleasure the free, unbounded plains of Patagonia; yet, with the true spirit of contradiction, I cannot forget how sublime is the silence of the forest.
30
if it has in store any of what I may call the food of study and philosophy, nothing can be pleasanter than an old age of leisure
31
One may be happy to a good degree, I think, in a faithful friend, a moderate fortune, and a retired life; further than this I know nothing to wish; but if there be anything beyond it, I wish it you.
32
My most sacred and memorable life is commonly on awaking in the morning.
Henry David Thoreauverified·Journal, Volume II: 1850-September 15, 1851 (ed. Bradford Torrey)·May 24, 1851
33
Nature loves such woods, and places her own seal upon them.
34
Every feature became more rigidly alpine, without, however, producing any chilling effect; for going to the mountains is like going home.
35
Ambition is of all others the most contrary humour to solitude; glory and repose are things that cannot possibly inhabit in one and the same place.
36
Just to touch the lichened bark of a tree, or the end of a spray projecting over the path as I walked, seemed to repeat the same prayer in me.
37
Very, very early in my boyhood I had acquired the habit of going about alone to amuse myself in my own way.
38
The soul of a journey is liberty, perfect liberty, to think, feel, do, just as one pleases.