Share & Save
Meaning
This reads as a defense of books that change conduct, not just opinion. Thoreau is saying a book succeeds when it pushes the reader from admiration into action, so the real test is what follows the last page. It lands for anyone who closes a book and feels a clear nudge to change a habit, make a choice, or live differently.
When It Was Said
Not documented yet.
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
Not documented yet.
Source
Not documented yet.
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Not documented yet.
Did You Know?
Not documented yet.
About Henry David Thoreau
American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher
Henry David Thoreau was an American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher. He is closely associated with the transcendentalist movement and is best known for Walden and for his essay "Civil Disobedience". Walden reflects on simple living in natural surroundings. "Civil Disobedience" argues that citizens may resist an unjust state. Thoreau's writing often returns to independence, conscience, and a close attention to nature.
More from Henry David Thoreau (404 quotes) →More quotes by Henry David Thoreau
- “I did not know that mankind were suffering for want of gold. I have seen a little of it. I know that it is ve…”Henry David Thoreau
- “It is life near the bone where it is sweetest.”Henry David Thoreau
- “I put a piece of paper under my pillow, and when I could not sleep I wrote in the dark.”Henry David Thoreau
- “Silence is the universal refuge, the sequel to all dull discourses and all foolish acts, a balm to our every…”Henry David Thoreau
Reading: more sayings
- “Learn as much as you can. Take every opportunity to learn about writing, whether it’s through classes, worksh…”Theodora Goss
- “A clever schoolboy's reaction to his reading is most naturally expressed by parody or imitation.”C.S. Lewis
- “A blessed companion is a book--a book that, fitly chosen, is a lifelong friend...a book that, at a touch, pou…”Douglas William Jerrold
More Acting quotes
- “I'm not sure I'll find acting satisfying creatively forever. If you get the good roles, it's great - if you h…”Francois Arnaud
- “I've been acting since I was six. I actually played a boy when I was six in 'Tommy.' I played Tommy and they…”JoJo
- “I have to tell you this - as a teenager, I never used to see any horror films till I started acting in films.”Manisha Koirala
READ THE SOURCE
Books by Henry David Thoreau
Walden
On living deliberately.