Henry David Thoreau Quotations: Genius
A simple and independent mind does not toil at the bidding of any prince. Genius is not a retainer to any emperor, nor is its material silver, or gold, or marble, except to a trifling extent.—Walden
Be faithful to your genius.—Journal, 20 December 1851
Character is Genius settled. It can maintain itself against the world, and if it relapses it repents. It is as a dog set to watch the property of Genius. Genius, strictly speaking, is not responsible, for it is not moral.—Journal, 2 March 1842
Follow your genius closely enough, and it will not fail to show you a fresh prospect every hour.—Walden
For a companion, I require one who will make an equal demand on me with my own genius.—A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers
Genius is inspired by its own works; it is hermaphroditic.—Journal, 10 October 1858
Genius is the worst of lumber, if the poet would float upon the breeze of popularity.—A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers
Go not so far out of your way for a truer life—keep strictly onward in that path alone which your genius points out. Do the things which lie nearest to you but which are difficult to do.—Journal, 12 January 1852
I was not anchored to a house or farm, but could follow the bent of my genius, which is a very crooked one, every moment.—Walden
I would not stand between any man and his genius.—WaldenÂ
