A man sits as many risks as he runs.—Walden
Be of good courage! That is the main thing.—Thoreau to H.G.O. Blake, 19 December 1854
Brave speaking is the most entire and richest sacrifice to the Gods.—Journal, 4 February 1841
Bravery deals not so much in resolute action, as in healthy and assured rest.—Journal, December 1839
But cowardice is unscientific; for there cannot be a science of ignorance. There may be a science of bravery, for that advances; but a retreat is rarely well conducted; if it is, then is it an orderly advance in the face of circumstances.—"Natural History of Massachusetts"
Each reaching and aspiration is an instinct with which all nature consists and cooperates, and therefore it is not in vain. But alas! each relaxing and desperation is an instinct too. To be active, well, happy, implies rare courage. To be ready to fight in a duel or a battle implies desperation, or that you hold your life cheap.—Thoreau to H.G.O. Blake, 20 May 1860
Fear creates danger, and courage dispels it.—Journal, 12 November 1859
If a man were to place himself in an attitude to bear manfully the greatest evil that can be inflicted on him, he would find suddenly that there was no such evil to bear; his brave back would go a-begging.—Thoreau to H. G. O. Blake, 19 December 1854
In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.—Walden
It would not be hard for some quiet brave man to leap into the saddle to-day and eclipse Napoleon's career by a grander,—show men at length the meaning of war.—Journal, 9 April 1841
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