Henry David Thoreau Action Quotations

To act collectively is according to the spirit of our institutions.

A man must find his occasions in himself, it is true. The natural day is very calm, and will hardly reprove his indolence.

The theories and speculations of men concern us more than their puny accomplishment. It is with a certain coldness and languor that we loiter about the actual and so-called practical.

We must heap up a great pile of doing, for a small diameter of being.

Let things alone; let them weigh what they will; let them soar or fall.

Take Time by the forelock. It is also the safest part to take a serpent by.

But they who are unconcerned about the consequences of their actions are not therefore unconcerned about their actions.

I do not wish to be any more busy with my hands than is necessary.

There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men.

Great God, I ask thee for no meaner pelf Than that I may not disappoint myself, That in my action I may soar as high As I can now discern with this clear eye.

By a conscious effort of the mind we can stand aloof from actions and their consequences; and all things, good and bad, go by us like a torrent.

Dissent without action is consent.

It's not enough to be busy.

Sweep away the clutter of things that complicate our lives.