Henry David Thoreau Quotations: Health & Illness
'Tis healthy to be sick sometimes.—Journal, 10 January 1851
A healthy man, indeed, is the complement of the seasons, and in winter, summer is in his heart.—"A Winter Walk"
A man may use as simple a diet as the animals, and yet retain health and strength.—Walden
All nature is doing her best each moment to make us well—she exists for no other end. Do not resist her. With the least inclination to be well we should not be sick.—Journal, 23 August 1853
Both for bodily and mental health, court the present.—Journal, 28 December 1852
Brown is the color for me, the color of our coats and our daily lives, the color of the poor man’s loaf. The bright tints are pies and cakes, good only for October feasts, which would make us sick if eaten every day.—Journal, 28 March 1859
I am convinced that consistency is the secret of health.—Journal, 30 March 1842
I have been sick so long that I have almost forgotten what it is to be well, yet I feel that it all respects only my envelope.—Thoreau to Daniel Ricketson, 15 August 1861
I suppose that I have not many months to live; but, of course, I know nothing about it. I may add that I am enjoying existence as much as ever, and regret nothing.—Thoreau to Myron B. Benton, 21 March 1862
I think I cannot preserve my health and spirits unless I spend four hours a day at least—and it is commonly more than that—sauntering through the woods and fields absolutely free from all worldy engagements.—"Walking"
