Henry David Thoreau Quotations: RELATIONSHIPS
I had two friends. The one offered me friendship on such terms that I could not accept it, without a sense of degradation.—Journal, 4 March 1856
I hate that my motive for visiting a friend should be that I want society; that it should lie in my poverty and weakness, and not in his and my riches and strength.—Journal, 14 February 1852
I have been breaking silence these twenty three years and have hardly made a rent in it.—Journal, 9 February 1841
I have been making pencils all day, and then at evening walked to see an old schoolmate who is going to help make Welland Canal navigable for ships round Niagara. He cannot see any such motives and modes of living as I; professes not to look beyond securing certain "creature comforts". And so we go silently different ways . . .—Journal, 17 March 1842
I have just got a letter from Ricketson, urging me to come to New Bedford, which possibly I may do. He says I can wear my old clothes there.—Thoreau to H.G.O. Blake, 26 September 1855
I have never met with a friend who furnished me sea-room. I have only tacked a few times and come to anchor—not sailed—made no voyage, carried no venture.—Journal, 24 August 1852
I have some good friends from whom I am wont to part with disappointment for they neither care what I think nor mind what I say.—Journal, 27 January 1854
I look out at my eyes, I come to my window, and feel and breathe the fresh air. It is a fact equally glorious with the most inward experience.—Journal, 23 August 1852
I love and worship myself with a love which absorbs my love for the world.—Journal, 18 July 1851
I love men with the same distinctions that I love women—as if my friend were of some third sex—some other or stranger and still my friend.—Journal, 5 May 1846
