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Meaning
This frames books as a shared cultural inheritance, something more valuable than private property. It can be read as a defense of reading as a public good, and it lands when a library, a classroom, or a family passes stories and knowledge from one generation to the next.
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Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
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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) →Other sayings from Henry David Thoreau
- “Books are to be distinguished by the grandeur of their topics even more than by the manner in which they are…”Henry David Thoreau
- “Friends... they cherish one another's hopes. They are kind to one another's dreams.”Henry David Thoreau
- “I have spent many an hour, when I was younger, floating over its surface as the zephyr willed, having paddled…”Henry David Thoreau
- “Justice is sweet and musical; but injustice is harsh and discordant.”Henry David Thoreau
Inheritance: more sayings
- “Through our awareness, we can open the inheritance of our qualities or talents, and behind that, reside in th…”Georgi Y. Johnson
- “The white man's blood and bones have begotten this bronze race, and bequeathed to it in some degree qualities…”Fanny Kemble
- “The Truth: Doing it all is a misconception the enemy wants mothers to believe. Learn how to fully embrace the…”Tamara L. Chilver
Explore Enlightenment
- “Through our chanting we merge our personal consciousness momentarily with the infinite consciousness that is…”Victor Shamas
- “The one who protects the body-complex (pudgal) is not the 'enlightened one' (Gnani). A Gnani is the protector…”Dada Bhagwan
- “A great sense of humor is a great gift!”Diamante Lavendar
READ THE SOURCE
Books by Henry David Thoreau
Walden
On living deliberately.