It is true, I never assisted the sun materially in his rising, but,… — Henry David Thoreau · Smartyfair

It is true, I never assisted the sun materially in his rising, but, doubt not, it was of the last importance only to be present at it.

Henry David Thoreau1817–1862 · writer · 1800s USAHenry David Thoreau was an American writer who spent two years living simply in a small cabin near Walden Pond, writing about nature, independence, and living deliberately.175 quotes

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How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Walden (1854); Exact wording and attribution checked. Personal and figurative observations on nature, wildness, and the author’s life beside Walden Pond.
Work: Walden (1854)
Sources checked: gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 21 October 2026Walden (1854); Exact wording and attribution checked. Personal and figurative observations on nature, wildness, and the author’s life beside Walden Pond.

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In wildness is the preservation of the world.

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Henry David Thoreau Our life is frittered away by detail.

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Henry David Thoreau

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