Henry David Thoreau Quotations: Right & Wrong
An honest misunderstanding is often the ground of future intercourse.—Journal, 6 March 1841
Do we call this the land of the free? What is it to be free from King George the Fourth and continue the slaves of prejudice?—Journal, 16 February 1851
He who receives an injury is an accomplice of the wrong-doer.—Journal, 9 July 1840
If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. But do not care to convince him. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.—Thoreau to H.G.O. Blake, 27 March 1848
Is it not possible that an individual may be right and a government wrong?—"A Plea for Captain John Brown"
It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right.—"Civil Disobedience"
Man's moral nature is a riddle which only eternity can solve.—Journal, 19 March 1842
Not to grieve long for any action, but to go immediately and do freshly and otherwise, subtracts so much from the wrong.—Journal, 9 January 1842
One sensible act will be more memorable than a monument as high as the moon.—Journal, 26 June 1852
The best way to correct a mistake is to make it right.—Thoreau to Ralph Waldo Emerson, 24 January 1843
