Economy
n
Note: There is no chapter title. The
leaves of the manuscript are numbered from 1 to 51 in the upper right hand corner
of the recto of each odd-numbered leaf. Several unnumbered leaves were added after
or deleted before the pages were numbered. (R. Clapper)
n
Note: The chapter title was inserted at
the top of the leaf in C that contains the opening paragraph. The combined leaves
of B and C are numbered from 1 to 123 in the upper right hand corner of the recto
of each odd-numbered leaf. Several unnumbered leaves were deleted from the
manuscript before the pages were numbered. A few leaves from A were not recopied
but inserted among the leaves of B-C and renumbered to fit the new sequence. A
half-dozen leaves from the early stages of D were also numbered to fit the
sequence. (R. Clapper)
At the time
When I wrote the following pages were
written
or rather the bulk of them,
When I wrote the following pages, or rather the
bulk of them,
When I wrote the following pages, or rather the
bulk of them,
When I wrote the following pages, or rather the
bulk of them,
When I wrote the following pages, or rather the
bulk of them,
When I wrote the following pages, or rather the
bulk of them,
I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor,
in a house
of my own building
which I had built myself,
which I had built myself,
which I had built myself,
which I had built myself,
which I had built myself,
which I had built myself,
on the shore of Walden Pond,
in Concord,
Massachusetts, and earned my
living by the labor of my hands
exclusively
only.
only.
only.
only.
only.
only.
I lived there two years and two months.
At present I am a sojourner in civilized life again.
I should not
presume to talk so much about myself and my affairs as I
shall in this lecture
book
work
book
presume to talk so much about myself and my affairs as I
shall in this lecture
book
work
book
obtrude myself and my affairs so much on the
notice of my readers
obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers
obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers
obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers
obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers
obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers
if very
particular and personal
particular
particular
particular
particular
particular
particular
particular
inquiries
had not been made
by my townsmen
by my townsmen
by my townsmen
by my townsmen
by my townsmen
by my townsmen
concerning my mode of life,
what
what
what
which
which
which
which
which
which
some would call impertinent,
but they are by no means impertinent to me, but on the
contrary very natural and pertinent, considering the circumstances .
but they are by no means impertinent to me, but on the
contrary very natural and pertinent, considering the circumstances .
though they do not appear to me
at all impertinent to me, but on the contrary
considering the circumstances very natural and
pertinent , considering the circumstances.
though they do not appear to me at all impertinent, but, considering the
circumstances, very natural and pertinent.
though they do not appear to me at all impertinent, but, considering the
circumstances, very natural and pertinent.
though they do not appear to me at all impertinent, but, considering the
circumstances, very natural and pertinent.
though they do not appear to me at all impertinent, but, considering the
circumstances, very natural and pertinent.
though they do not appear to me at all impertinent, but, considering the
circumstances, very natural and pertinent.
Some have
wished to know
wished to know
wished to know
asked
asked
asked
asked
asked
asked
what I
got to eat; if I did not feel
kind o’ lonesome;
kind o’ lonesome;
kind o’ lonesome;
lonesome;
lonesome;
lonesome;
lonesome;
lonesome;
if I was not
afraid—what I should do if I were taken sick;
afraid—what I should do if I were taken sick;
afraid—what I should do if I were taken sick;
afraid
afraid
afraid
afraid
afraid
and the like. Others have been
inquisitive to know
curious to learn
curious to learn
curious to learn
curious to learn
curious to learn
curious to learn
curious to learn
what portion of my income I devoted to charitable purposes;
and
and
and
and
and
and
and
and
some, who have large families, how many poor children I
maintained. Some have not come to my house because I
lived there. Others have come—Because I
lived there—and others again, Because
I lived there. After I lectured
here
to my townsmen last winter I heard that some had expected that I
would answer some of these questions in my lecture.
maintained.
maintained.
maintained.
maintained.
maintained.
maintained.
maintained.
So I must ask all strangers and all who have little
or no interest in me in this audience
among my readers
So I must ask all strangers and all who have little
or no interest in me in this audience
among my readers
So I will therefore ask all
strangers, and those of my readers
who feel no interest in me among my readers
I will therefore ask those of my readers who feel no particular interest
in me
I will therefore ask those of my readers who feel no particular interest
in me
I will therefore ask those of my readers who feel no particular interest
in me
I will therefore ask those of my readers who feel no particular interest
in me
I will therefore ask those of my readers who feel no particular interest
in me
to pardon me if I undertake to answer
them in part now. I warn you that I shall brag a good
deal more than is according to the rules of good taste—shall brag for you
as well as for myself—trusting that God will grant me an eternity to
fulfill some things in. Taste and I parted company long ago.
them in part now. I warn you that I shall brag a good
deal more than is according to the rules of good taste—shall brag for you
as well as for myself—trusting that God will grant me an eternity to
fulfill some things in. Taste and I parted company long ago.
r
Revision note: C1: these questions in part now. I warn you that I shall brag a
good deal more than is according to the received rules of good taste—shall
brag for you as well as for myself.
some of these questions in part now
this book.
some of these questions in this book.
some of these questions in this book.
some of these questions in this book.
some of these questions in this book.
some of these questions in this book.
In most
lectures or
and
stories
books
lectures or
and
stories
books
r
Revision note: C1: lectures and books
books, and lectures
books,
books,
books,
books,
books,
the
I
, or first person, is omitted; in this
it will be
inserted
inserted
r
Revision note: C1: inserted
inserted
retained;
retained;
retained;
retained;
retained;
retained;
that, in respect to egotism, is the main difference. We
are not apt to
are not apt to
r
Revision note: C1:
are not apt to
do not usually
commonly do not usually
commonly do not
commonly do not
commonly do not
commonly do not
commonly do not
remember that it is, after all, always the first person that is speaking.
I should not talk so much about myself if there were any body else whom I
knew as well.
I am unluckily
Unfortunately I am unluckily
Unfortunately, I am
Unfortunately, I am
Unfortunately, I am
Unfortunately, I am
Unfortunately, I am
confined to this theme by the narrowness of my experience.
I,
Moreover I for my own
part,
Moreover, I, on my side,
Moreover, I, on my side,
Moreover, I, on my side,
Moreover, I, on my side,
Moreover, I, on my side,
require of
a writer or lecturer that he
give me,
a
every writer that he give me,
every writer, first or last,
every writer, first or last,
every writer, first or last,
every writer, first or last,
every writer, first or last,
a simple and sincere account
of his own life,
what he has done and thought,
whatever that may have been and not so much
and not so much
rather than
and not merely
and not merely
and not merely
and not merely
and not merely
what he has heard of other men’s lives; some such account as he would send
to his kindred from a distant land;
and
and
for
for
for
for
for
for
if he has lived sincerely, it must have been in a distant land to
me, —describing even his outward circumstances and what
adventures he has had, as well as his thoughts and feelings about
them—I want him to
that he give me that which is most precious to him, not his
life’s blood but even that for which his life’s blood circulated—what he has
got by living. If anything has yielded him pure pleasure or
instruction, let him communicate it. Let the money-getter tell us how much
he loves wealth, and what means he takes to accumulate it. He must
describe those facts which he knows and loves better than any body
else—
He
must
should not write on Foreign Missions. The
mechanic will naturally write about his trade, the farmer about his farm,
and every man about that which he, compared to other men,
understands better than other men
others. Yet incredible mistakes are made. I
have heard an owl lecture with a perverse show of learning upon
on the solar microscope, and Chanticlere
upon
on nebulous stars, when both ought
to
should naturally have been sound asleep, the
one in a hollow tree, the other upon his roost.
me—describing even his outward circumstances and what
adventures he has had, as well as his thoughts and feelings about them.
If anything has yielded him pleasure or instruction, let him communicate
it. Let the money-getter when he takes up
the pen tell us how he loves wealth, and what means he takes to
accumulate it. He should not write on
Foreign Missions. The mechanic will naturally write about his trade, the
farmer about his farm, and every man about that which he understands better
than others —that is, his own affairs.
Yet incredible mistakes are made. I have heard an owl lecture with a
perverse show of learning on the solar microscope, and Chanticlere on
nebulous stars, when both should naturally have been sound asleep, the
one in a hollow tree, the other upon his roost
me.
me.
me.
me.
me.
Perhaps
this lecture
book is
this n
Note: space left blank during original copying (R. Clapper)
lecture is
r
Revision note: C1: this lecture
volume is
this volume is
these pages are
these pages are
these pages are
these pages are
these pages are
these pages are
more particularly addressed to
the class of poor students.
the class of poor students.
r
Revision note: C1: the class of poor students.
the class of poor students
poor students.
poor students.
poor students.
poor students.
poor students.
As for the rest of my
audience
readers,
n
Note: space left blank
during original copying (R. Clapper)
audience,
audience
readers,
readers,
readers,
readers,
readers,
readers,
they will accept such
r
Revision note: C1: portions of it
portions of it
r
Revision note: C1: portions of it
portions of it
r
Revision note: C1: portions of it
portions of it
portions
portions
portions
portions
portions
as apply to them. I trust that none will stretch the seams in putting on
the coat, for it may
be of
be of
r
Revision note: C1: be of
be of
do
do
do
do
do
do
good service to him whom it fits.
I
wish to
would fain
would fain
would fain
would fain
would fain
would fain
say something, not so much concerning the Chinese and Sandwich
Islanders
r
Revision note: C1: as concerning
as concerning
as
as
as
as
as
you who
n
Note: space left blank
during original copying (R. Clapper)
hear this lecture
read this book
read these pages,
read these pages,
read these pages,
read these pages,
read these pages,
read these pages,
who are said to live in New England; something about your condition,
especially your outward condition or circumstances in this world, in this
n
Note: space left blank
during original copying (R. Clapper)
city
town,
town,
town,
town,
town,
town,
what it is, whether it is necessary that it
r
Revision note: C1: should be
should be
be
be
be
be
be
as bad as it is, whether it cannot be improved as well as not.
I have travelled a good deal in Concord; and every where, in shops, and
offices, and fields, the inhabitants have
seemed
seemed
seemed
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
to me to be doing penance in a thousand
curious
curious
curious
remarkable
remarkable
remarkable
remarkable
remarkable
remarkable
ways. What I
had
have
have
have
have
have
have
have
have
heard of Brahmins
standing on one leg on the tops of pillars, looking in the face of the
sun, dwelling at the roots of trees
sitting exposed to four fires or hanging suspended with their heads
downward over flames or looking at the heavens over their shoulders
“until it is
becomes impossible for them to resume their natural position,
while from the twist of the neck nothing but liquids can pass into the
stomach” or dwelling chained for life at the foot of a tree or measuring
with their bodies like caterpillars the breadth of a vast empire or of
devotees standing on one leg on the tops of pillars—even these forms of
conscious penance are not more incredible and astonishing
than the scenes which I daily witness.
sitting exposed to four fires and looking in the face of the sun; or hanging suspended, with their heads downward, over
flames; or looking at the heavens over their shoulders “until it becomes
impossible for them to resume their natural position, while from the twist
of the neck nothing but liquids can pass into the stomach;” or dwelling, chained for life, at the foot
of a tree; or measuring with their bodies, like caterpillars, the breadth of
vast empires; or standing on one leg on the tops of pillars,—even these
forms of conscious penance are hardly more incredible and astonishing than
the scenes which I daily witness.
sitting exposed to four fires and looking in the face of the sun; or hanging suspended, with their heads downward, over
flames; or looking at the heavens over their shoulders “until it becomes
impossible for them to resume their natural position, while from the twist
of the neck nothing but liquids can pass into the stomach;” or dwelling, chained for life, at the foot
of a tree; or measuring with their bodies, like caterpillars, the breadth of
vast empires; or standing on one leg on the tops of pillars,—even these
forms of conscious penance are hardly more incredible and astonishing than
the scenes which I daily witness.
sitting exposed to four fires and looking in the face of the sun; or hanging suspended, with their heads downward, over
flames; or looking at the heavens over their shoulders “until it becomes
impossible for them to resume their natural position, while from the twist
of the neck nothing but liquids can pass into the stomach;” or dwelling, chained for life, at the foot
of a tree; or measuring with their bodies, like caterpillars, the breadth of
vast empires; or standing on one leg on the tops of pillars,—even these
forms of conscious penance are hardly more incredible and astonishing than
the scenes which I daily witness.
sitting exposed to four fires and looking in the face of the sun; or hanging suspended, with their heads downward, over
flames; or looking at the heavens over their shoulders “until it becomes
impossible for them to resume their natural position, while from the twist
of the neck nothing but liquids can pass into the stomach;” or dwelling, chained for life, at the foot
of a tree; or measuring with their bodies, like caterpillars, the breadth of
vast empires; or standing on one leg on the tops of pillars,—even these
forms of conscious penance are hardly more incredible and astonishing than
the scenes which I daily witness.
sitting exposed to four fires and looking in the face of the sun; or hanging suspended, with their heads downward, over
flames; or looking at the heavens over their shoulders “until it becomes
impossible for them to resume their natural position, while from the twist
of the neck nothing but liquids can pass into the stomach;” or dwelling, chained for life, at the foot
of a tree; or measuring with their bodies, like caterpillars, the breadth of
vast empires; or standing on one leg on the tops of pillars,—even these
forms of conscious penance are hardly more incredible and astonishing than
the scenes which I daily witness.
sitting exposed to four fires and looking in the face of the sun; or hanging suspended, with their heads downward, over
flames; or looking at the heavens over their shoulders “until it becomes
impossible for them to resume their natural position, while from the twist
of the neck nothing but liquids can pass into the stomach;” or dwelling, chained for life, at the foot
of a tree; or measuring with their bodies, like caterpillars, the breadth of
vast empires; or standing on one leg on the tops of pillars,—even these
forms of conscious penance are hardly more incredible and astonishing than
the scenes which I daily witness.
sitting exposed to four fires and looking in the face of the sun; or hanging suspended, with their heads downward, over
flames; or looking at the heavens over their shoulders “until it becomes
impossible for them to resume their natural position, while from the twist
of the neck nothing but liquids can pass into the stomach;” or dwelling, chained for life, at the foot
of a tree; or measuring with their bodies, like caterpillars, the breadth of
vast empires; or standing on one leg on the tops of pillars,—even these
forms of conscious penance are hardly more incredible and astonishing than
the scenes which I daily witness.
even the
The
The
The
The
The
The
The
twelve labors of Hercules
are nothing in comparison with those which my neighbors
have undertaken;
were trifling in comparison with those which my neighbors have
undertaken;
were trifling in comparison with those which my neighbors have
undertaken;
were trifling in comparison with those which my neighbors have
undertaken;
were trifling in comparison with those which my neighbors have
undertaken;
were trifling in comparison with those which my neighbors have
undertaken;
were trifling in comparison with those which my neighbors have
undertaken;
were trifling in comparison with those which my neighbors have
undertaken;
for they were only twelve, and had an end; but I could never see that these
men slew or captured any monster or finished any labor. They have no friend
Iolas
to burn with a hot iron the root of the hydra’s
head,
but as soon as one head is crushed, two spring up.
I see young men, my townsmen, whose misfortune it is to have inherited farms,
houses, barns, cattle, and farming tools; for these are
easier
more easily
more easily
more easily
more easily
more easily
more easily
more easily
more easily
acquired than got rid of. Better if they had been born in the open pasture and
suckled by a wolf,
that they might
have seen with
clear eye
clearer eyes
clearer eyes
clearer eyes
clearer eyes
clearer eyes
clearer eyes
clearer eyes
what field they were called to labor in. Who made them serfs of the soil? Why
should they eat their sixty acres,
when man is condemned to eat
only his peck of dirt?
Why should they begin digging their graves
as soon as they are born? They have got to live a man’s life, pushing all these
things before
them
, or farm with all its fixtures therein
them
, or farm with all its fixtures therein
them,
them,
them,
them,
them,
them,
and get on as well as they can.
How many a poor immortal soul have I met well nigh crushed and smothered
under its load, creeping down the road of life, pushing before it a barn
seventy-five feet by four, its Augean stables never cleansed, and one hundred acres of land,
tillage, mowing, pasture, and wood-lot!
How many a poor immortal soul have I met well nigh crushed and smothered
under its load, creeping down the road of life, pushing before it a barn
seventy-five feet by four, its Augean stables never cleansed, and one hundred acres of land,
tillage, mowing, pasture, and wood-lot!
How many a poor immortal soul have I met well nigh crushed and smothered
under its load, creeping down the road of life, pushing before it a barn
seventy-five feet by four, its Augean stables never cleansed, and one hundred acres of land,
tillage, mowing, pasture, and wood-lot!
How many a poor immortal soul have I met well nigh crushed and smothered
under its load, creeping down the road of life, pushing before it a barn
seventy-five feet by four, its Augean stables never cleansed, and one hundred acres of land,
tillage, mowing, pasture, and wood-lot!
How many a poor immortal soul have I met well nigh crushed and smothered
under its load, creeping down the road of life, pushing before it a barn
seventy-five feet by four, its Augean stables never cleansed, and one hundred acres of land,
tillage, mowing, pasture, and wood-lot!
How many a poor immortal soul have I met well nigh crushed and smothered
under its load, creeping down the road of life, pushing before it a barn
seventy-five feet by four, its Augean stables never cleansed, and one hundred acres of land,
tillage, mowing, pasture, and wood-lot!
How many a poor immortal soul have I met well nigh crushed and smothered
under its load, creeping down the road of life, pushing before it a barn
seventy-five feet by four, its Augean stables never cleansed, and one hundred acres of land,
tillage, mowing, pasture, and wood-lot!
The portionless, who struggle with no such
unnecessary inherited
outward
unnecessary inherited
unnecessary inherited
unnecessary inherited
unnecessary inherited
unnecessary inherited
unnecessary inherited
unnecessary inherited
encumbrances, find it labor enough to subdue and cultivate a few cubic feet of
flesh.
But men labor under a mistake. The better part of the man is
soon ploughed into the soil for compost. By
an apparent fate, soon
an apparent
a seeming fate, soon
commonly
a seeming fate, commonly
a seeming fate, commonly
a seeming fate, commonly
a seeming fate, commonly
a seeming fate, commonly
a seeming fate, commonly
called
necessity, they are employed, as it says in an old book,
laying up treasures
which moth and rust will corrupt and thieves break through and steal. It is a
fool’s life, as they will find when they get to the end of it,
if not before.
if not before.
if not before.
if not before.
if not before.
if not before.
It is said that
It is said that
It is said that
It is said that
It is said that
It is said that
Deucalion and Pyrrha
created men by throwing stones over
their heads behind
them. Thence we are a hard race and inured to labor; and
give evidence from what origin we have sprung. But that was not the best
way to create men—or rather, they were not the best kind of men to
create
nor the best material to create men out of.
They might, at least, have seen where they threw the stones.
According to Ovid
:—
them:—
them:—
them:—
them:—
them:—
Inde genus durum sumus, experiensque laborum,
Et documenta damus quâ simus origine nati.
Or, as
Sir Walter Raleigh
Raleigh
Raleigh
Raleigh
Raleigh
Raleigh
rhymes it
in his sonorous way
,—
in his sonorous way,—
in his sonorous way,—
in his sonorous way,—
in his sonorous way,—
in his sonorous way,—
“From thence our kind hard-hearted is, enduring pain and care,
Approving that our bodies of a stony nature are.”
But perhaps they did not rightly interpret the
oracle which directed them to cast behind them the bones of their
grandmothers—by which may have been signified
it may have meant the institutions of the
dead. At any rate, men must be recreated
after a different fashion. They might at least have seen where they threw
the stones. So much for a stupid
blind obedience to a blind
blundering oracle
So much for a blind obedience to a blundering oracle, throwing the stones
over their heads behind them, and not seeing where they fell.
So much for a blind obedience to a blundering oracle, throwing the stones
over their heads behind them, and not seeing where they fell.
So much for a blind obedience to a blundering oracle, throwing the stones
over their heads behind them, and not seeing where they fell.
So much for a blind obedience to a blundering oracle, throwing the stones
over their heads behind them, and not seeing where they fell.
So much for a blind obedience to a blundering oracle, throwing the stones
over their heads behind them, and not seeing where they fell.
Most men,
even in this comparatively free country,
even in this comparatively free country,
even in this comparatively free country,
even in this comparatively free country,
even in this comparatively free country,
even in this comparatively free country,
even in this comparatively free country,
even in this comparatively free country,
through mere ignorance and mistake, are so occupied with the factitious cares
and
superfluously
superfluously
superfluously
superfluously
superfluously
superfluously
superfluously
superfluously
coarse labors of life that its finer fruits cannot be plucked by them.
Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much
for that. The finest qualities of our nature are as difficult to
preserve as the down on a peach.
Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much for
that.
Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much for
that.
Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much for
that.
Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much for
that.
Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much for
that.
Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much for
that.
Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much for
that.
Actually, the laboring man has not leisure for a
lofty and serene
lofty and serene
high
true
true
true
true
true
true
true
integrity day by day; he cannot afford to sustain the
noblest relations;
truest and
noblest
manliest relations to
men
manliest relations to men;
manliest relations to men;
manliest relations to men;
manliest relations to men;
manliest relations to men;
manliest relations to men;
his labor would
depreciate
depreciate
be depreciated
be depreciated
be depreciated
be depreciated
be depreciated
be depreciated
be depreciated
in the market. He has no time to be any thing but a machine. How can he
remember well his ignorance—
and this
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
his growth requires—who has so often to use his knowledge?
We should feed and clothe and recruit him with our cordials before we
judge of him
We should feed and clothe him
gratuitously
sometimes and recruit him with our cordials before we judge of
him.
We should feed and clothe him gratuitously sometimes, and recruit him with
our cordials, before we judge of him.
We should feed and clothe him gratuitously sometimes, and recruit him with
our cordials, before we judge of him.
We should feed and clothe him gratuitously sometimes, and recruit him with
our cordials, before we judge of him.
We should feed and clothe him gratuitously sometimes, and recruit him with
our cordials, before we judge of him.
We should feed and clothe him gratuitously sometimes, and recruit him with
our cordials, before we judge of him.
We should feed and clothe him gratuitously sometimes, and recruit him with
our cordials, before we judge of him.
The finest qualities of our nature, like the bloom on fruits, can be preserved
only by the most delicate handling.
But
Yet
But
Yet
Yet
Yet
Yet
Yet
Yet
Yet
we do not treat ourselves nor one another thus tenderly.
Some of
you who hear me
who read this,
you,
you,
you,
you,
you,
you,
you,
we all know, are poor, find it hard to live, are sometimes, as it were,
gasping for breath. I have no doubt that some of you who
are here tonight
read this
n
Note: space left blank during
original copying (R. Clapper)
read this book
read this book
read this book
read this book
read this book
read this book
read this book
are unable to pay for all the dinners
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
you have actually eaten, or for the coats and shoes which are fast wearing or
are
are
are
are
are
are
are
are
already worn out, and have come
here
to this page
n
Note: space left blank during
original copying (R. Clapper)
to this page
to this page
to this page
to this page
to this page
to this page
to this page
to spend
borrowed time,
borrowed
stolen time,
which is not your own,
borrowed or stolen time,
borrowed or stolen time,
borrowed or stolen time,
borrowed or stolen time,
borrowed or stolen time,
borrowed or stolen time,
robbing your creditors of an hour. It is very evident what mean and sneaking
lives many of you live,
for I have had some experience of it myself
for my sight is whetted by experience;
for my sight has been whetted by experience;
for my sight has been whetted by experience;
for my sight has been whetted by experience;
for my sight has been whetted by experience;
for my sight has been whetted by experience;
for my sight has been whetted by experience;
for my sight has been whetted by experience;
always on the limits,
trying to get into business and
trying to get out of debt, a very ancient slough,
called by the
Latins,
æs alienum
, another’s brass, for some of their
coins were made of brass; still living, and dying, and buried by this other’s
brass
though some of you it must be allowed have enough of the brass of
irreverence of your own to live by;
brass;
brass;
brass;
brass;
brass;
brass;
brass;
always promising to pay, promising to pay, to-morrow, and dying to-day,
insolvent; seeking to curry favor, to get custom, by how many modes, only not
state-prison offences;
lying,
flattering, voting, contracting yourselves into a nutshell
of civility, or dilating into an atmosphere of thin and vaporous generosity, that
you
may persuade your neighbor to let you make his shoes, or his hat, or his coat, or
his
carriage, or import his groceries for him; making yourselves sick, that you may lay
up something against a sick day, something to be tucked away in an old chest, or in
a
stocking behind the plastering,
or, more safely, in the
brick
or the stone
brick
or the stone
brick
brick
brick
brick
brick
brick
bank; no matter where, no matter how much or how little.
I sometimes wonder
how
how
how
that
that
that
that
that
that
we can be so frivolous,
almost,
almost,
almost
I may almost say,
I may almost say,
I may almost say,
I may almost say,
I may almost say,
I may almost say,
as to attend to the gross
form of
form of
form of
but somewhat foreign form of servitude called
but somewhat foreign form of servitude called
but somewhat foreign form of servitude called
but somewhat foreign form of servitude called
but somewhat foreign form of servitude called
but somewhat foreign form of servitude called
Negro Slavery, there are so many keen and subtle masters that enslave both
north and south. It is
bad
bad
hard
hard
hard
hard
hard
hard
to have a southern overseer;
it is worse to have a northern one;
but worst of all when you are
yourself the slave-driver.
yourself the slave-driver
the slave-driver of yourself.
the slave-driver of yourself.
the slave-driver of yourself.
the slave-driver of yourself.
the slave-driver of yourself.
the slave-driver of yourself.
the slave-driver of yourself.
Ancient books, and some modern ones, talk of a divinity in man.
Talk of a divinity in man!
Talk of a divinity in man!
Talk of a divinity in man!
Talk of a divinity in man!
Talk of a divinity in man!
Talk of a divinity in man!
Talk of a divinity in man!
Look at the teamster on the highway, wending
to market by day or night;
Is he a son of the morning—fearless because immortal—greeting the sun
and stars as his fellows and bounding with youthful & elastic steps
over his mother earth? How much of divinity is there in him?
Is he a son of the morning—fearless because immortal—greeting the sun
and stars as his fellows, and bounding with youthful and elastic steps
over his mother Earth? How much of divinity is there in him?
does the divinity stir in
within him. He rolls out of his cradle into a Tom & Jerry
& goes at once to look after his team to fodder and water his horses
without standing agape at his position. What are life immortal and the
destiny of man compared with the shipping interests? What does he care
for his creator, doesn’t he drive for Squire Make a stir?
does any divinity stir within him? He rolls out of his
cradle into a Tom-and-Jerry, and goes at once to look after his
team
For the most part he knows no higher duty
than
His highest duty to fodder and water his
horses without standing agape at his position
He is not half horse, half something more; he is
merely a horse and a half to the others
. What are life immortal and the destiny of man
is his destiny to him compared with the shipping interests? What
does he care for his creator? Does not he drive for Squire
Make-a-stir?
does any divinity stir within him? His highest duty to fodder and water his horses! What is his
destiny to him compared with the shipping interests? Does not he drive for
Squire Make-a-stir?
does any divinity stir within him? His highest duty to fodder and water his horses! What is his
destiny to him compared with the shipping interests? Does not he drive for
Squire Make-a-stir?
does any divinity stir within him? His highest duty to fodder and water his horses! What is his
destiny to him compared with the shipping interests? Does not he drive for
Squire Make-a-stir?
does any divinity stir within him? His highest duty to fodder and water his horses! What is his
destiny to him compared with the shipping interests? Does not he drive for
Squire Make-a-stir?
does any divinity stir within him? His highest duty to fodder and water his horses! What is his
destiny to him compared with the shipping interests? Does not he drive for
Squire Make-a-stir?
How godlike, how immortal,
is he? Very like a God! He feels so cheap that he
could lick the dust under his feet.
is he? Very like a god!
is he?
is he?
is he?
is he?
is he?
is he?
See how he cowers and sneaks, how
vaguely and indefinitely
vaguely and indefinitely
vaguely and indefinitely
vaguely
vaguely
vaguely
vaguely
vaguely
all the day he fears, not being immortal nor divine, but the slave and
prisoner of his own opinion of himself, a fame won by his own deeds. Public
opinion is a weak tyrant compared with
our own
our own
our own
our own
our own
our own
private opinion. What a man thinks of himself, that it is which
determines
determines, or rather indicates,
determines, or rather indicates,
determines, or rather indicates,
determines, or rather indicates,
determines, or rather indicates,
determines, or rather indicates,
determines, or rather indicates,
his fate.
Self-emancipation even in the West Indian provinces
of the fancy and imagination,—what Wilberforce is there to
bring that about?
Self-emancipation even in the West Indian provinces of the fancy and
imagination, —what Wilberforce is there to
bring that about?
Self-emancipation even in the West Indian provinces of the fancy and
imagination, —what Wilberforce is there to
bring that about?
Self-emancipation even in the West Indian provinces of the fancy and
imagination, —what Wilberforce is there to
bring that about?
Self-emancipation even in the West Indian provinces of the fancy and
imagination, —what Wilberforce is there to
bring that about?
Self-emancipation even in the West Indian provinces of the fancy and
imagination, —what Wilberforce is there to
bring that about?
Self-emancipation even in the West Indian provinces of the fancy and
imagination, —what Wilberforce is there to
bring that about?
And
Think also of
Think, also, of
Think, also, of
Think, also, of
Think, also, of
the ladies of the land weaving toilet cushions
against the last day, not to betray too green an interest in their
fates! As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.
The mass of
mankind
men
men
men
men
men
lead lives of quiet desperation.
What is called resignation is confirmed
desperation. From the desperate city you go into the desperate country, and have
to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats.
A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed
even
even
even
even
even
under what are called the games and amusements of mankind. There is no play
in them, for this comes after
work.I remember to have met once a particularly wretched
man in our own streets, asking for a lodging, whom it was almost no
pleasure to befriend he so was hopeless. He had come all the way from New
York on foot, seeking work, but he did not know where he was at any time,
only, perchance, that he had travelled thirty miles that day, when three
would have done as well. He thought that he had seriously injured himself
by lying out, but he was more seriously injured before. He could do work
about a stable, but declared in a disconsolate voice, that there was no
work for him, as if the fates had a spite against him. I saw by his face
that he was only a more desperate man than usual, whose whole life was a
crime, who was endeavoring to escape from himself, but for once, derived
no amusement from the method which he had chosen. He thought that nobody
wished to employ him nor would respect him, because he knew that he was
unworthy to be employed, and did not respect himself; and thus he had
come two hundred and fifty miles in a straight line, with desperate
steps, offering himself, with a down look, anticipating failure, to do
stable work at such stable yards as this path happened to intersect,
doing his part as he would fain have believed, toward getting work; but
the truth was, he merely wished to convince the fates that he was willing
to do his part, when he was not. And so, judging from his direction, he
would go on, if his constitution held out, to the Gulf of St Lawrence,
where he would probably jump in. I knew very well that he was not the
only man who had not succeeded in getting work.
work.
work.
work.
work.
But it is
the sum of all
a characteristic of
a characteristic of
a characteristic of
a characteristic of
wisdom not to do desperate things.
When we consider
in the words of the catechism, what what
to use the words of the catechism,what
what, to use the words of the catechism,
what, to use the words of the catechism,
what, to use the words of the catechism,
what, to use the words of the catechism,
what, to use the words of the catechism,
what, to use the words of the catechism,
is the chief end of man,
and
what are
what are
what are
what are
what are
what are
what are
the
true
true
true
true
true
true
true
true
necessaries and
the means
means
means
means
means
means
means
means
of life, it appears as if men had deliberately chosen
this
the common
the common
the common
the common
the common
the common
the common
the common
mode of living
preferring
preferring
because they preferred
because they preferred
because they preferred
because they preferred
because they preferred
because they preferred
it
to any other.
to any other.
to any other.
to any other.
to any other.
to any other.
to any other.
to any other.
but not so; they really think that
but not so; they really think that
but not so; they really think that
Yet not so; they honestly think
Yet they honestly think
Yet they honestly think
Yet they honestly think
Yet they honestly think
there is no choice left.
Butit is not necessarily, it was not always so;
But
But
But
But
But
But
But
alert and healthy natures remember that the sun rose clear. It is never too
late to give up our prejudices. No way of
doing or thinking,
thinking or doing,
thinking or doing,
thinking or doing,
thinking or doing,
thinking or doing,
thinking or doing,
thinking or doing,
however ancient, can be trusted
without proof.
without proof.
without proof.
without proof.
without proof.
without proof.
without proof.
What every body echoes or in silence passes by as true to-day may turn out
to be
sheer falsehood
sheer falsehood
sheer falsehood
sheer falsehood
falsehood
falsehood
falsehood
falsehood
to-morrow, mere smoke of
opinion falling back in cinders,
opinion falling back in cinders,
opinion falling back in cinders,
opinion falling back in cinders,
opinion,
opinion,
opinion,
opinion,
which some had trusted for a cloud that would sprinkle
fertile
fertile
fertile
fertile
fertilizing
fertilizing
fertilizing
fertilizing
fertilizing
rain
r
Revision note: A1: upon
upon
on
on
on
on
on
on
on
on
their fields. What old people say you cannot do you try and find that you
can.
r
Revision note: A1:
Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new. Old
people did not know enough once, perchance, to fetch fresh fuel to keep
the fire a-going; new people put a little dry wood under a pot, and are whirled round the globe with the speed of
birds, in a way to kill old people, as the phrase is.
It is very true that they cannot but the same is very false when
affirmed of you
it may be that you can. The fact is old people are old and new
people are new. Old deeds for old people and new deeds for new. Old people
can hardly get upstairs. There are men in Typee who can walk up a tree 60
feet high and bare of branches. Old people did not know enough to fetch
new
fresh fuel to keep the fire agoing—new people put a little dry
wood under a pot and are whirled round the world with the speed of birds
It is very true that they cannot—but it may be very false
when affirmed
to affirm the same of you. Old deeds for old people and new deeds
for new. Old people can hardly walk up stairs,—in Typee the young men can
walk up a smooth cocoa-nut tree 60 feet high & bare of branches—Old
people did not know enough once to fetch fresh fuel to keep the fire
agoing—New people put a little dry wood under a pot and are whirled round
the world
globe with the speed of birds
as the phrase is “in a way to kill old people”
”in a way to kill old people” as the phrase is
Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new
ones. Old people can hardly walk up stairs. In Typee the young
men can walk up a smooth cocoa-nut tree sixty feet high and bare of
branches. Old people did not know enough once to fetch fresh fuel to keep
the fire agoing—New people put a little dry wood under a pot, and are
whirled round the globe with the speed of birds, in a way to kill old
people, as the phrase is
Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new. Old people did not know
enough once, perchance, to fetch fresh fuel to keep the fire a-going; new
people put a little dry wood under a pot, and are whirled round the globe
with the speed of birds, in a way to kill old people, as the phrase
is.
Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new. Old people did not know
enough once, perchance, to fetch fresh fuel to keep the fire a-going; new
people put a little dry wood under a pot, and are whirled round the globe
with the speed of birds, in a way to kill old people, as the phrase
is.
Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new. Old people did not know
enough once, perchance, to fetch fresh fuel to keep the fire a-going; new
people put a little dry wood under a pot, and are whirled round the globe
with the speed of birds, in a way to kill old people, as the phrase
is.
Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new. Old people did not know
enough once, perchance, to fetch fresh fuel to keep the fire a-going; new
people put a little dry wood under a pot, and are whirled round the globe
with the speed of birds, in a way to kill old people, as the phrase
is.
Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new. Old people did not know
enough once, perchance, to fetch fresh fuel to keep the fire a-going; new
people put a little dry wood under a pot, and are whirled round the globe
with the speed of birds, in a way to kill old people, as the phrase
is.
Old deeds for old people, and new deeds for new. Old people did not know
enough once, perchance, to fetch fresh fuel to keep the fire a-going; new
people put a little dry wood under a pot, and are whirled round the globe
with the speed of birds, in a way to kill old people, as the phrase
is.
r
Revision note: A1: Age seems
Age seems
Age seems
Age is
Age is
Age is
Age is
Age is
Age is
no better, hardly so well, qualified
for an instructor as youth, for it has
not profited so much as it has
lost. Men have left off rum safely and imprisoning for
debt, and chattel slavery in some places, and several other things, but
they are not inclined to leave off hanging men because they have not got
accustomed to that way of thinking.
lost.
lost.
lost.
lost.
lost.
lost.
lost.
One may almost doubt if the wisest man has learned any thing of absolute
value by living. Practically, the old have no very important advice to give the
young, their own experience has been so partial, and their lives have been such
miserable failures, for private reasons, as they must believe; and it may be that
they have some faith left which belies that experience, and they are only less
young than they were.
I have lived some
thirty
odd
thirty
thirty
thirty
thirty
years on this planet, and I have yet to hear the first syllable of valuable
or even earnest advice from my seniors.
They have told me nothing, and
probably
can tell me nothing
cannot tell me any thing,
cannot tell me any thing,
cannot tell me any thing,
cannot tell me any thing,
cannot tell me any thing,
to the purpose.
There
Here.
Here
Here
Here
Here
is life, an experiment to
to some extent
to a great extent
to a great extent
to a great extent
to a great extent
to a great extent
untried by me;
&
but
but
but
but
but
it does not avail me that they have tried it. If I have
any valuable experience
any experience which I think valuable,
any experience which I think valuable,
any experience which I think valuable,
any experience which I think valuable,
any experience which I think valuable,
I am sure to reflect that this my Mentors
said nothing about.
One
farmer says to me,
farmer says to me,
farmer says to me,
farmer says to me,
farmer says to me,
farmer says to me,
farmer says to me,
farmer says to me,
“You cannot live on vegetable food
solely, for it furnishes nothing to
make bones with;” and so
he
he
he
he
he
he
he
religiously devotes a part of his day to supplying his system with the raw
material of bones;
all the while walking all the while he talks
walking all the while he talks
walking all the while he talks
walking all the while he talks
walking all the while he talks
walking all the while he talks
walking all the while he talks
walking all the while he talks
behind his oxen,
whose
whose
whose
who with
which with
which, with
which, with
which, with
which, with
vegetable-made bones, jerk him and his lumbering plough along
through
in spite of
in spite of
in spite of
in spite of
in spite of
in spite of
in spite of
in spite of
every obstacle. Some things are really necessaries of life in some
circles,
the most helpless and diseased, which in
others are luxuries merely, and in others still are entirely unknown.
The whole ground of human life seems to some to have been gone over
before us by our
before us by our
before us by our
before us by our
by their
by their
by their
by their
by their
predecessors, both the heights and the valleys,
and all things to have been cared for.
and all things to have been cared for.
and all things to have been cared for.
and all things to have been cared for.
and all things to have been cared for.
and all things to have been cared for.
and all things to have been cared for.
and all things to have been cared for.
”
According to Evelyn, “the wise Solomon prescribed
ordinances for the very distances of trees; and the Roman prætors have
decided how often you may go into your neighbor’s land to gather the acorns
which fall on it without trespass, and what share belongs to that
neighbor.
According to Evelyn, “the wise
Solomon prescribed ordinances for the very distances of trees; and the Roman
prætors have decided how often you may go into your neighbor’s land to gather
the acorns which fall on it without trespass, and what share belongs to that
neighbor.
According to Evelyn, “the wise
Solomon prescribed ordinances for the very distances of trees; and the Roman
prætors have decided how often you may go into your neighbor’s land to gather
the acorns which fall on it without trespass, and what share belongs to that
neighbor.
According to Evelyn, “the wise
Solomon prescribed ordinances for the very distances of trees; and the Roman
prætors have decided how often you may go into your neighbor’s land to gather
the acorns which fall on it without trespass, and what share belongs to that
neighbor.
According to Evelyn, “the wise
Solomon prescribed ordinances for the very distances of trees; and the Roman
prætors have decided how often you may go into your neighbor’s land to gather
the acorns which fall on it without trespass, and what share belongs to that
neighbor.
Hippocrates has even left directions how we should cut our nails;
that is, even with the ends of the fingers, neither
longer nor shorter.
longer nor shorter.
longer nor shorter nor longer.
shorter nor longer.
shorter nor longer.
shorter nor longer.
shorter nor longer.
shorter nor longer.
Even the
Undoubtedly The
Undoubtedly the
Undoubtedly the
Undoubtedly the
Undoubtedly the
Undoubtedly the
Undoubtedly the
very tedium and ennui which
presumes
presumes
presumes
presume
presume
presume
presume
presume
presume
to have exhausted the variety and the joys of life
is
is
is
are
are
are
are
are
are
as old as Adam. But man’s capacities have never been measured; nor are we to
judge of what he can do by any precedents, so little has been tried.
Whatever have been thy failures hitherto, “be not
afflicted, my child, for who shall assign to thee what thou hast left
undone?
Whatever have been thy failures hitherto, “be not afflicted, my child, for
who shall assign to thee what thou hast left undone?”
Whatever have been thy failures hitherto, “be not afflicted, my child, for
who shall assign to thee what thou hast left undone?”
Whatever have been thy failures hitherto, “be not afflicted, my child, for
who shall assign to thee what thou hast left undone?”
Whatever have been thy failures hitherto, “be not afflicted, my child, for
who shall assign to thee what thou hast left undone?”
Whatever have been thy failures hitherto, “be not afflicted, my child, for
who shall assign to thee what thou hast left undone?”
We might try our lives by a thousand simple
tests greatly to our advantage—by any natural fact—by this,
for instance, that
tests greatly to our advantage—by this, for instance,
that
tests; as for instance, that
tests; as for instance, that
tests; as for instance, that
tests; as for instance, that
tests; as for instance, that
tests; as for instance, that
the same sun
that
that
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
ripens my beans illumines at once a system of
worlds
worlds
worlds
earths
earths
earths
earths
earths
earths
like
this
this
ours.
ours.
ours.
ours.
ours.
ours.
ours.
If I had
known
known
remembered
remembered
remembered
remembered
remembered
remembered
remembered
this it would have prevented some mistakes. This was not the light in which
I hoed them. The stars are the apexes of what
singular
singular
singular
wonderful
wonderful
wonderful
wonderful
wonderful
wonderful
triangles! What distant and
various natures are perhaps beholding
various natures are perhaps beholding
different beings in the various mansions of the
universe are contemplatingdifferent beings in the various mansions
of the universe contemporary with us but for whom we have no name nor
thought may be contemplating
different beings in the various mansions of the universe
may be
are contemplating
different beings in the various mansions of the universe are
contemplating
different beings in the various mansions of the universe are
contemplating
different beings in the various mansions of the universe are
contemplating
different beings in the various mansions of the universe are
contemplating
different beings in the various mansions of the universe are
contemplating
the same one at the same
moment! The departing and the arriving spirit—the joyful and
the sad—the innocent and happy child, & melancholy suicide, the northern
farmer and the southern slave. These are trivial instances. How many
yet more distant inhabitants of this universe may be contemplating
this
yonder fine twinkling star which I behold at the same
time
instant—an eye in Orion—an eye in Lyra—the eye of omniscience
every where
itself There is always the possibility of being thus related
by our lives with the All & being one with it or of remaining as it
were an isolated particle in the universe
n
Note: A later version of this passage was
interlined in Economy 15. (R. Clapper)
moment! The departing and the arriving spirit—the joyful
and the sad—the innocent and happy child, & the melancholy suicide,
the northern farmer and the southern slave. These are trivial instances.
How many yet
infinitely more distant and different beings may be contemplating
yonder fine twinkling star
point
at this moment—an eye in Orion—an eye in Lyra—the eye of
omniscience itself. There is always the possibility of being related to
the whole by our lives and of being one with it, or of remaining as it
were an isolated particle in the universe
moment!
moment!
moment!
moment!
moment!
moment!
Nature and human life are as various as our
several experiences, as our constitutions are various
several experiences, as our constitutions are
various
several constitutions are various
several constitutions are various
several constitutions.
several constitutions.
several constitutions.
several constitutions.
Who shall say what prospect life offers to another? Could a greater miracle
take place than
if we should
if we should
for us to
for us to
for us to
for us to
for us to
for us to
for us to
look through each other’s eyes for an instant? We should live in all the
ages of the world in an hour; ay, in all the worlds of the ages. History, Poetry,
Mythology!—I know of no reading of another’s experience so
ineffably grand
ineffably grand
startling
startling
startling
startling
startling
startling
startling
and
startling
informing
informing
informing
informing
informing
informing
informing
informing
as this would be.
Almost all that
The greater part of what
The greater part of what
The greater part of what
The greater part of what
The greater part of what
my neighbors call good I believe in my soul to be bad, and if I repent of any
thing, it is
of
very likely to be
very likely to be
very likely to be
very likely to be
very likely to be
my good behavior. What demon possessed me that I behaved so well? You may say
the wisest thing you can old man,—you who have lived seventy years,
not without honor of a kind,—I hear an irresistible voice
which invites me away from
all that.
One generation abandons the enterprises of another like stranded
vessels.
One generation abandons the enterprises of another like stranded
vessels.
One generation abandons the enterprises of another like stranded
vessels.
One generation abandons the enterprises of another like stranded
vessels.
I think
I think
I think that
I think that
I think that
I think that
I think that
I think that
we may safely trust a good deal more than we do. We may waive just
as
as
as
so
so
so
so
so
so
much care of ourselves as we
devote
bestow elsewhere. Suppose we choose the better part and fail, whose
failure is it?
bestow elsewhere. Suppose we choose the better part and
fail, whose failure is it?
honestly bestow elsewhere
honestly bestow elsewhere.
honestly bestow elsewhere.
honestly bestow elsewhere.
honestly bestow elsewhere.
honestly bestow elsewhere.
Nature
is after all
is after all
is after all
is
is
is
is
is
as well adapted to our
weakness as to our talents.
weakness as to our talents.
weaknesses as to our talents
weakness as to our strength.
weakness as to our strength.
weakness as to our strength.
weakness as to our strength.
weakness as to our strength.
weakness as to our strength.
The incessant anxiety and strain of
some persons
some persons
some persons
some
some
some
some
some
is a well nigh incurable form of disease. We are made to exaggerate the
importance of what work we do; and yet how much is not done by us!
and
or,
or,
or,
or,
or,
or,
or,
or,
what if we had been taken sick? How vigilant we are! determined not to live by
faith if we can avoid it; all the day long on the alert, at night we unwillingly say
our prayers and commit ourselves to uncertainties. So thoroughly and sincerely are
we
compelled to live, reverencing our life, and denying the possibility of change. This
is the only way, we say; but there are as many ways as there can be drawn radii from
one centre. All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is
taking place every
instant. How many yet more distant inhabitants
beings may be contemplating yonder fine twinkling star which I
now behold at the same instant—an eye in Orion an
eye in Lyra the Eye of omniscience itself. There is always this possibility
of being thus related by our lives to the All
to the whole of our lives and being one with it—or of remaining
as it were an isolated particle in the Universe
n
Note: An earlier version of this passage was
interlined in Economy 13a. (R. Clapper)
instant. How many yet more distant inhabitants
beings may be contemplating yonder fine twinkling star which I
now behold at the same instant—an eye in Orion an
eye in Lyra the Eye of omniscience itself. There is always this possibility
of being thus related by our lives to the All
to the whole of our lives and being one with it—or of remaining
as it were an isolated particle in the Universe
n
Note: An earlier version of this passage was
interlined in Economy 13a. (R. Clapper)
instant. These are influences the most
powerful and perennial, which have not yet produced in man the effects which
they are intended to produce
instant.
instant.
instant.
instant.
instant.
Confucius said, “To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know
what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” When one man has reduced a fact of the
imagination to be a fact to his understanding, I foresee that all men at length
establish their lives on that basis.
Confucius said, “To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know
what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” When one man has reduced a fact
of the imagination to be a fact to his understanding, I foresee that all men at
length establish their lives on that basis.
Confucius said, “To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know
what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” When one man has reduced a fact
of the imagination to be a fact to his understanding, I foresee that all men at
length establish their lives on that basis.
Confucius said, “To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know
what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” When one man has reduced a fact
of the imagination to be a fact to his understanding, I foresee that all men at
length establish their lives on that basis.
Confucius said, “To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know
what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” When one man has reduced a fact
of the imagination to be a fact to his understanding, I foresee that all men at
length establish their lives on that basis.
Confucius said, “To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know
what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” When one man has reduced a fact
of the imagination to be a fact to his understanding, I foresee that all men at
length establish their lives on that basis.
Confucius said, “To know that we know what we know, and that we do not know
what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” When one man has reduced a fact
of the imagination to be a fact to his understanding, I foresee that all men at
length establish their lives on that basis.
n
Note: interlined in pencil on a leaf
that was originally a part of B. (R. Clapper)
Let us consider for a moment what
all this trouble and anxiety is
are about—what are the gross necessaries of life. I imagine it
all this trouble and anxiety are about —what are the gross
necessaries of life
and how much it is indispensable that we be troubled or
at least provident be careful I imagine
think it
all or most of
most of this trouble and anxiety are
is about, and how much it is indispensable that
we be troubled, or at least be careful. I think that
Methinks it
most of this
the trouble and anxiety which I have
referred to is about, and how much it is indispensable
necessary that we be troubled, or, at least, careful. It
most of the trouble and anxiety which I have referred to is about, and how
much it is necessary that we be troubled, or, at least, careful. It
most of the trouble and anxiety which I have referred to is about, and how
much it is necessary that we be troubled, or, at least, careful. It
most of the trouble and anxiety which I have referred to is about, and how
much it is necessary that we be troubled, or, at least, careful. It
most of the trouble and anxiety which I have referred to is about, and how
much it is necessary that we be troubled, or, at least, careful. It
would be some advantage to live a primitive and frontier life, though in the
midst of an outward civilization, if only to
know what are after all the necessaries of life, and what
methods society has taken to supply them
know
learn what are after all the necessaries of life,
as they are called and what methods
society has taken to supply
have taken to obtain them
learn what are the gross
necessaries of life, as they are called, and what methods have been
taken to obtain them; or
learn what are the gross necessaries of life and what methods have been taken
to obtain them; or
learn what are the gross necessaries of life and what methods have been taken
to obtain them; or
learn what are the gross necessaries of life and what methods have been taken
to obtain them; or
learn what are the gross necessaries of life and what methods have been taken
to obtain them; or
learn what are the gross necessaries of life and what methods have been taken
to obtain them; or
even to look over the old day-
books
of the merchants, to see what it was that men most commonly bought at the stores,
what are the grossest groceries. For all the improvements of the
ages do not carry a man backward or forward in relation to the great
most important facts of his
what they stored or in other words what are the
grossest groceries. For all the improvements of the ages do not
carry a man backward or forward in relation to the most important facts of
his
have but little influence on the essential laws of
our
what they stored,—or, in other words,
that is, what are the grossest groceries. For all the improvements
of ages have had but little influence of the
essential laws of man’s
what they stored,—that is, what are the grossest groceries. For
all the improvements of ages have had but little influence on the essential
laws of man’s
what they stored, that is, what are the grossest groceries. For the improvements of ages have
had but little influence on the essential laws of man’s
what they stored, that is, what are the grossest groceries. For the improvements of ages have
had but little influence on the essential laws of man’s
what they stored, that is, what are the grossest groceries. For the improvements of ages have
had but little influence on the essential laws of man’s
what they stored, that is, what are the grossest groceries. For the improvements of ages have
had but little influence on the essential laws of man’s
existence; as our skeletons,
are
are perhaps
probably are
probably, are
probably, are
probably, are
probably, are
probably, are
not to be distinguished from those of our
ancestors.I do not here affirm unchangeableness of the
future; but we can see further into the future with the evidence of faith
than into the past, with the evidence of history; and we expect from the
future changes to be paralleled only, perchance, by experiences which the
race has forgotten. He is the wisest scheemer whose scheme will be the
latest to succeed. The greatest discoverers have not to fear that any will
infringe on their patents during their lives.
ancestors.I do not here affirm unchangeableness of the
future; but we can see further into the future with the evidence of faith
than into the past, with the evidence of history; and we expect from the
future changes to be paralleled only, perchance, by experiences which the
race has forgotten. He is the wisest scheemer whose scheme will be the
latest to succeed. The greatest discoverers have not to fear that any will
infringe on their patents during their lives.
ancestors.I do not here affirm unchangeableness of the
future; but we can see further into the future with the evidence of faith
than into the past, with the evidence of history; and we expect from the
future changes to be paralleled only, perchance, by experiences which the
race has forgotten. He is the wisest scheemer whose scheme will be the
latest to succeed. The greatest discoverers have not to fear that any will
infringe on their patents during their lives.
ancestors.I do not here affirm unchangeableness of the
future; but we can see further into the future with the evidence of faith
than into the past, with the evidence of history; and we expect from the
future changes to be paralleled only, perchance, by experiences which the
race has forgotten. He is the wisest scheemer whose scheme will be the
latest to succeed. The greatest discoverers have not to fear that any will
infringe on their patents during their lives.
ancestors.
ancestors.
ancestors.
ancestors.
By the
term
term
phrase,
phrase,
words,
words,
words,
words,
necessary of life
, I mean whatever, of
of all that man obtains by his
exertions,
of all that man obtains by his exertions,
of all that man obtains by his exertions,
of all that man obtains by his exertions,
of all that man obtains by his exertions,
of all that man obtains by his exertions,
has been from the first, or from long use has become, so important to human
life that few, if any, whether from
poverty or from motives of economy or from philosophy ever
attempt to dispense with it altogether.
savageness, or poverty, or from motives
of economy, or from philosophy, ever attempt to dispense
with it altogether.
savageness, or poverty, or philosophy, ever attempt to
dispense with
do without it altogether.
savageness, or poverty, or philosophy, ever attempt to do without
it.
savageness, or poverty, or philosophy, ever attempt to do without
it.
savageness, or poverty, or philosophy, ever attempt to do without
it.
savageness, or poverty, or philosophy, ever attempt to do without
it.
To many creatures there is
only
in this sense but
only
in this sense but
in this sense but
in this sense but
in this sense but
in this sense but
in this sense but
in this sense but
one necessary of life, Food. To the bison of the prairie it is a few inches
of palatable grass,
with water to drink;
with water to drink;
with water to drink;
with water to drink;
with water to drink;
with water to drink;
unless he seeks the Shelter of the forest or the mountain’s shadow. None of
the brute creation
require
requires
requires
requires
requires
requires
requires
requires
more than Food and
Shelter.Perhaps Man also,
we can imagine, was at first an animal—All animals are
but imperfect and infantile men. In that Golden Age
a mere animal in these respects—and the Nature
which produced him, Nature was so genial n
Note: missing leaf follows (R. Clapper)
Shelter.Perhaps Man also,
we can imagine, was at first an animal—All animals are
but imperfect and infantile men. In that Golden Age
a mere animal in these respects—and the Nature
which produced him, Nature was so genial n
Note: missing leaf follows (R. Clapper)
Shelter.Perhaps Man also,
we can imagine, was at first an animal—All animals are
but imperfect and infantile men. In that Golden Age
a mere animal in these respects—and the Nature
which produced him, Nature was so genial n
Note: missing leaf follows (R. Clapper)
Shelter. Perhaps man also was at first a mere animal in
these respects, and the Nature which produced him was so genial that he
wanted only food to sustain his life, and this was almost completely
provided and prepared for him, like albumen which surrounds the young
bird in the egg. On which supposition
But after the lapse of geological periods, Nature grown less
fond, though not less kind, drove him from her breast, and is still
driving him, with increasing sternness and coldness, as some assert, and
gradually weaning her child. He must earn his living at last by the sweat
of his brow, that is, the exercise of his brain, in other words, the
development of reason. If he would maintain his position on earth, he
must build, and hunt, and weave, and fell, and mine. What was the effort
of reason in ancient men, has become, in a degree, instinct in their
posterity, while, perchance, the seeds of new instincts still
are being planted today. However this may be,
Shelter.
Shelter.
Shelter.
Shelter.
For man, in this climate, the necessaries of life
may,
For man, in this climate, the necessaries of life
may,
The necessaries of life for man in this climate may, accurately
enough,
The necessaries of life for man in this climate may, accurately
enough,
The necessaries of life for man in this climate may, accurately
enough,
The necessaries of life for man in this climate may, accurately
enough,
The necessaries of life for man in this climate may, accurately
enough,
The necessaries of life for man in this climate may, accurately
enough,
be distributed under the several heads of Food, Shelter, Clothing, and
Fuel;
for not till we have secured these are we prepared to entertain the true
problems of life with freedom and a prospect of success.
for not till we have secured these are we prepared to entertain the true
problems of life with freedom and a prospect of success.
for not till we have secured these are we prepared to entertain the true
problems of life with freedom and a prospect of success.
for not till we have secured these are we prepared to entertain the true
problems of life with freedom and a prospect of success.
for not till we have secured these are we prepared to entertain the true
problems of life with freedom and a prospect of success.
for not till we have secured these are we prepared to entertain the true
problems of life with freedom and a prospect of success.
for he has invented
for he has invented
man has invented not only houses, but
Man has invented, not only houses, but
Man has invented, not only houses, but
Man has invented, not only houses, but
Man has invented, not only houses, but
Man has invented, not only houses, but
Man has invented, not only houses, but
clothes and cooked food; and
probably
probably
possibly
possibly
possibly
possibly
possibly
possibly
from the accidental discovery of the warmth of fire,
and the consequent use of it,
and the consequent use of it,
and the consequent use of it,
and the consequent use of it,
and the consequent use of it,
and the consequent use of it,
at first a luxury, arose the present necessity to sit by it. We observe
cats and dogs acquiring the same second nature. By
proper
proper
proper
proper
proper
proper
proper
Shelter and
Fuel
Clothing
Clothing
Clothing
Clothing
Clothing
Clothing
Clothing
Clothing
we legitimately retain our own internal heat; but with
Fuel or at least with
an excess of these or of Fuel, or at
least
i.e. with
an excess of these, or of Fuel, that is, with
an excess of these, or of Fuel, that is, with
an excess of these, or of Fuel, that is, with
an excess of these, or of Fuel, that is, with
an excess of these, or of Fuel, that is, with
an excess of these, or of Fuel, that is, with
an external heat greater than our own internal,
cookery may
may not cookery may
may not cookery
may not cookery
may not cookery
may not cookery
may not cookery
may not cookery
properly be said to
begin.
This is the state of the luxurious and wealthy?
begin?
begin?
begin?
begin?
begin?
begin?
begin?
Darwin, the naturalist, says of the inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego, that
while his own party, who were well clothed and sitting close to a fire, were far
from too
warm, these naked savages, who were farther off, were observed, to his
great surprise, “to be streaming with perspiration at undergoing such a
roasting.”
So,
So, we are told,
So, we are told,
So, we are told,
So, we are told,
So, we are told,
So, we are told,
the New Hollander
who goes naked,
who goes nakedwith
impunity,
goes naked with impunity,
goes naked with impunity,
goes naked with impunity,
goes naked with impunity,
goes naked with impunity,
goes naked with impunity,
while the European shivers in his
clothes, warms his whole body simply by putting his
extremities closer to the fire than the former can bear
clothes, warms his whole body simply by putting his
extremities closer to the fire than the former can bear
clothes.
clothes.
clothes.
clothes.
clothes.
clothes.
Is it impossible to combine the hardiness of these
savages with the intellectualness of the civilized man?
Is it impossible to combine the hardiness of these savages with the
intellectualness of the civilized man?
Is it impossible to combine the hardiness of these savages with the
intellectualness of the civilized man?
Is it impossible to combine the hardiness of these savages with the
intellectualness of the civilized man?
Is it impossible to combine the hardiness of these savages with the
intellectualness of the civilized man?
Is it impossible to combine the hardiness of these savages with the
intellectualness of the civilized man?
Is it impossible to combine the hardiness of these savages with the
intellectualness of the civilized man?
According to Liebig,
man’s body is a
box stove,
boxstove,
stove,
stove,
stove,
stove,
stove,
stove,
and food the fuel which keeps up the internal combustion in the lungs. In
cold weather we eat more, in warm less. The animal heat
is in fact
is in fact
is
is
is
is
is
is
the result of a slow combustion, and disease and death take place when this
is too rapid; or for want of fuel, or from some defect in the draught, the fire
goes out.
Of course the vital heat is not to be confounded
with fire; but so much for analogy. Of course the animal
vital heat is not to be confounded with fire;
but so much for the analogy.
Of course the vital heat is not to be confounded with fire; but so much
for analogy.
Of course the vital heat is not to be confounded with fire; but so much
for analogy.
Of course the vital heat is not to be confounded with fire; but so much
for analogy.
Of course the vital heat is not to be confounded with fire; but so much
for analogy.
Of course the vital heat is not to be confounded with fire; but so much
for analogy.
Of course the vital heat is not to be confounded with fire; but so much
for analogy.
From this list it appears
It appears, then
therefore, from the above list
It appears, therefore, from the above list,
It appears, therefore, from the above list,
It appears, therefore, from the above list,
It appears, therefore, from the above list,
It appears, therefore, from the above list,
It appears, therefore, from the above list,
that
the expression "animal heat"
the expression "animal heat
life"
the expression, animal life
the expression, animal life
the expression, animal life
the expression, animal life
the expression, animal life
the expression, animal life
, is nearly synonymous with
"animal life" —
the expression "A
animal life
heat" —
the expression, animal heat;
the expression, animal heat;
the expression, animal heat;
the expression, animal heat;
the expression, animal heat;
the expression, animal heat;
for
Shelter Clothing and Fuel warm us, so to speak, from without,
Food from within.
while Food is
may be regarded as the fuel which keeps up the fire within us, and
Fuel serves only to prepare that Food, or to increase the warmth of our bodies by addition from
without—Shelter and Clothing also serve only to retain the heat thus generated and absorbed.
while Food may be regarded as the Fuel which keeps up the fire within
us,—and Fuel serves only to prepare that Food or to increase the warmth of
our bodies by addition from without,—Shelter and Clothing also serve only to
retain the heat thus generated and
absorbed.
while Food may be regarded as the Fuel which keeps up the fire within
us,—and Fuel serves only to prepare that Food or to increase the warmth of
our bodies by addition from without,—Shelter and Clothing also serve only to
retain the heat thus generated and
absorbed.
while Food may be regarded as the Fuel which keeps up the fire within
us,—and Fuel serves only to prepare that Food or to increase the warmth of
our bodies by addition from without,—Shelter and Clothing also serve only to
retain the heat thus generated and
absorbed.
while Food may be regarded as the Fuel which keeps up the fire within
us,—and Fuel serves only to prepare that Food or to increase the warmth of
our bodies by addition from without,—Shelter and Clothing also serve only to
retain the heat thus generated and
absorbed.
while Food may be regarded as the Fuel which keeps up the fire within
us,—and Fuel serves only to prepare that Food or to increase the warmth of
our bodies by addition from without,—Shelter and Clothing also serve only to
retain the heat thus generated and
absorbed.
while Food may be regarded as the Fuel which keeps up the fire within
us,—and Fuel serves only to prepare that Food or to increase the warmth of
our bodies by addition from without,—Shelter and Clothing also serve only to
retain the heat thus generated and
absorbed.
The grand necessity, then, for our bodies, is to keep warm, to keep the
vital heat in us. What pains
accordingly do we take
we accordingly do we take not
only with our Food & Clothing & Shelter but
we accordingly take, not only with our Food, and Clothing, and Shelter,
but
we accordingly take, not only with our Food, and Clothing, and Shelter,
but
we accordingly take, not only with our Food, and Clothing, and Shelter,
but
we accordingly take, not only with our Food, and Clothing, and Shelter,
but
we accordingly take, not only with our Food, and Clothing, and Shelter,
but
we accordingly take, not only with our Food, and Clothing, and Shelter,
but
with our beds, which are our night-clothes, robbing the nests
& breasts of birds and their breasts
and breasts of birds
and breasts of birds
and breasts of birds
and breasts of birds
and breasts of birds
and breasts of birds
and breasts of birds
to prepare this shelter within a shelter, as the mole has its bed of grass and
leaves at the end of its burrow!
The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold
world; and to cold, either physical or social, we refer directly a great
part of our ails.
The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold world; and to cold, no
less physical than social, we refer directly a great part of our ails.
The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold world; and to cold, no
less physical than social, we refer directly a great part of our ails.
The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold world; and to cold, no
less physical than social, we refer directly a great part of our ails.
The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold world; and to cold, no
less physical than social, we refer directly a great part of our ails.
The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold world; and to cold, no
less physical than social, we refer directly a great part of our ails.
The poor man is wont to complain that this is a cold world; and to cold, no
less physical than social, we refer directly a great part of our ails.
The summer,
in some climates,
in some climates,
in some climates,
in some climates,
in some climates,
in some climates,
in some climates,
makes possible
a sort of Elysian life to man.
to man a sort of Elysian life to man.
to man a sort of Elysian life.
to man a sort of Elysian life.
to man a sort of Elysian life.
to man a sort of Elysian life.
to man a sort of Elysian life.
to man a sort of Elysian life.
Fuel, except to cook his Food, is then unnecessary; the sun is his fire, and
many of the
fruits are sufficiently cooked by its rays; while Food generally is more
various, and more easily obtained, and Clothing and Shelter are
half dispensed with even in our climate.
half dispensed with even in our climate
wholly or half unnecessary.
wholly or half unnecessary.
wholly or half unnecessary.
wholly or half unnecessary.
wholly or half unnecessary.
wholly or half unnecessary.
wholly or half unnecessary.
At the present day, and in this country,
as I find by my own experience,
as I find by my own experience,
as I find by my own experience,
as I find by my own experience,
as I find by my own experience,
as I find by my own experience,
as I find by my own experience,
a few implements, a knife, an axe, a spade, a wheelbarrow, &c., and
with
with
for
for
for
for
for
for
for
the studious,
light,
light
lamplight,
lamplight,
lamplight,
lamplight,
lamplight,
lamplight,
lamplight,
stationery, and access to a few books, rank next to necessaries, and can all
be obtained at a trifling cost. Yet some, not wise,
will go
willgo
go
go
go
go
go
go
to the other side of the globe,
to
barbarous and unhealthy regions, and devote themselves to trade for ten or twenty
years, in order that they may
livecomfortably,
live,
live,
live,
live,
live,
live,
live,
— that is, keep comfortably warm,—and die in New England at last. The
luxuriously rich are not simply kept comfortably warm,
—they are cooked—done brown, as you may say— but
are
but
but
but
but
but
but
but
unnaturally hot; as
we said
we
I implied
I implied
I implied
I implied
I implied
I implied
I implied
before, they are cooked,
of course
always
of course
of course
always
of course
of course
of course
of course
of course
of course
of course
à la mode
.
To the elevation and ennoblement of mankind what are called
the luxuries & many of the comforts of life are not only not
indispensable, but positive hindrances.
To the elevation and ennoblement of mankind what are called
Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not
indispensable, but positive hinderances to the
elevation of mankind.
Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not
only not indispensable, but positive hinderances to the elevation of
mankind.
Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not
only not indispensable, but positive hinderances to the elevation of
mankind.
Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not
only not indispensable, but positive hinderances to the elevation of
mankind.
Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not
only not indispensable, but positive hinderances to the elevation of
mankind.
Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not
only not indispensable, but positive hinderances to the elevation of
mankind.
Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not
only not indispensable, but positive hinderances to the elevation of
mankind.
With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have ever lived a more
simple and meager life than the poor. The ancient philosophers,
Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek,and I may
add Christ as a more popular example perhaps generally
Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek,
Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek,
Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek,
Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek,
Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek,
Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek,
were a
class of men than whom none were
have been poorer in respect to
class of men than which none have been poorer in respect
to
class than which none has been poorer in
class than which none has been poorer in
class than which none has been poorer in
class than which none has been poorer in
class than which none has been poorer in
class than which none has been poorer in
outward riches, none so rich in inward. We know not much about them. It is
astonishing that we can know
so much as we do
astonishing
remarkable that we
can know so much of them as we do.
The same is true of the most important reformers
that have lived
remarkable that we know so much of them as
we do.
remarkable that we know so much of them as
we do.
remarkable that we know so much of them as
we do.
remarkable that we know so much of them as
we do.
remarkable that we know so much of them as
we do.
remarkable that we know so much of them as
we do.
The same is true of the more modern reformers and benefactors of their
race. None can be an impartial or wise observer of human life but from the vantage
ground of what
we
should call voluntary poverty. Of
a life of luxury the fruit is luxury, whether in agriculture, or commerce, or
literature, or art.
Critics have been very lavish of the word philosopher of late.
According to them every century has had several. But we have forgotten
what the name implies. These men were perhaps
We hear nowadays of professors of philosophy,
of readers of it, sometimes even of utterers of it to a slight extent, but never
of livers of it. But
We hear nowadays of professors of philosophy, of readers of it,
sometimes even of utterers of it to a slight extent, but never of livers
of it. But
There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not
philosophers. Yet
There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers.
Yet
There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers.
Yet
There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers.
Yet
There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers.
Yet
There are nowadays professors of philosophy, but not philosophers.
Yet
it is admirable to
profess, to
or read, to
or utter, simply
profess or read or utter, simply
profess
profess
profess
profess
profess
because it was once admirable to live. To be a philosopher is
not even
not merely
not merely
not merely
not merely
not merely
not merely
to have subtle thoughts,
and
and
nor even to
nor even to
nor even to
nor even to
nor even to
found a
school,
merely, but, what is infinitely rarer still, to live a life of simplicity,
of independence, of magnanimity and trust, such as
the weak, the unwise and the dependent can not live. —With the
actual life of man for the problem, to see how you can solve it!
few have ever lived. It is to solve some of the
problems of life both theoretically & practically Some modern
men who have copied the title of philosopher
have had
skill and ambition and skill enough
to lead partially successful and pleasing lives under the
circumstances, but there is no bending of circumstances under their
hands. It is
considering their circumstances, but theirs
was at best a courtier like success, not kingly, not manly. We
are pigmies and dwarfs.
They have made shift to live merely by conformity
& a kind of flattery of fate Where are the progenitors of a
nobler race of men?—the founders of nations? Why do
It would be well to ask ourselves why
merely but so to love wisdom as to live according to its
dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity & trust. It is
to solve some of the problems of life,
which it is given to all to solve, not only theoretically but
practically. Some modern men who have borne this title have had
ambition and skill enough to lead partially successful lives, considering
their circumstances, but theirs was at best
The success of great scholars & thinkers is
commonly a courtier like success, not kingly, not manly. They
have made
make shift to live merely by conformity
and by flattering their fates. Where are
practically as their fathers did and are in no
sense the progenitors of a nobler race of men —the founders of
nations?
It would be well to ask ourselves why
But why do
but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of
simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the
problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically. The success of
great scholars and thinkers is commonly a courtier-like success, not kingly,
not manly. They make shift to live merely by conformity, practically as
their fathers did, and are in no sense the progenitors of a nobler race of
men. But why do
but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of
simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the
problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically. The success of
great scholars and thinkers is commonly a courtier-like success, not kingly,
not manly. They make shift to live merely by conformity, practically as
their fathers did, and are in no sense the progenitors of a nobler race of
men. But why do
but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of
simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the
problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically. The success of
great scholars and thinkers is commonly a courtier-like success, not kingly,
not manly. They make shift to live merely by conformity, practically as
their fathers did, and are in no sense the progenitors of a nobler race of
men. But why do
but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of
simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the
problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically. The success of
great scholars and thinkers is commonly a courtier-like success, not kingly,
not manly. They make shift to live merely by conformity, practically as
their fathers did, and are in no sense the progenitors of a nobler race of
men. But why do
but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of
simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the
problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically. The success of
great scholars and thinkers is commonly a courtier-like success, not kingly,
not manly. They make shift to live merely by conformity, practically as
their fathers did, and are in no sense the progenitors of a nobler race of
men. But why do
men degenerate ever? What makes families run out? What is the nature of
that luxury that
which
that
the luxury which
the luxury which
the luxury which
the luxury which
the luxury which
the luxury which
enervates and destroys nations?
And is there
are we sure that there is
And are we sure that there is
Are we sure that there is
Are we sure that there is
Are we sure that there is
Are we sure that there is
Are we sure that there is
none of it in
our own
our own
our own
our own
our own
our own
our own
lives?
As I have said the philosopher is in advance of his age not
merely in his discourse, but in his life, even in the outward
form and outward mode if it.
As I have said
Certainly
the philosopher is in advance of his age, not merely in his
discourse, but in his life, even in the outward form &
mode of it
of his life.
The philosopher is in advance of his age even in the outward form of his
life.
The philosopher is in advance of his age even in the outward form of his
life.
The philosopher is in advance of his age even in the outward form of his
life.
The philosopher is in advance of his age even in the outward form of his
life.
The philosopher is in advance of his age even in the outward form of his
life.
He is not fed, sheltered, clothed, warmed, like his
fellows.
fellows
contemporaries.
contemporaries.
contemporaries.
contemporaries.
contemporaries.
contemporaries.
How can a man be a philosopher and not maintain his vital heat by better
methods than other men?
When a man is warmed by the several modes
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
I have described, what
more does he want? Not surely
more does he want? Not surely
does he want next? Surely not
does he want next? Surely not
does he want next? Surely not
does he want next? Surely not
does he want next? Surely not
does he want next? Surely not
does he want next? Surely not
more warmth of the same kind, as more and richer food, larger and more
splendid houses, finer and more abundant clothing, more numerous incessant and hotter
fires, and the like.
When he has obtained those things which are necessary
to life, there is another alternative than to obtain the superfluities; and
that is, When he has obtained those things which are necessary to life
there is another alternative than to obtain the superfluities, which
& that is
When he has obtained those things which are necessary to life, there is
another alternative than to obtain the superfluities; and that is,
When he has obtained those things which are necessary to life, there is
another alternative than to obtain the superfluities; and that is,
When he has obtained those things which are necessary to life, there is
another alternative than to obtain the superfluities; and that is,
When he has obtained those things which are necessary to life, there is
another alternative than to obtain the superfluities; and that is,
When he has obtained those things which are necessary to life, there is
another alternative than to obtain the superfluities; and that is,
to adventure on life now, his vacation
from humbler toil
from humbler toil
from humbler toil
from humbler toil
from humbler toil
having commenced. The soil, it
seems,
seems,
seems
appears,
appears,
appears,
appears,
appears,
appears,
is suited to the seed,
and it may germinate
expand and unfold its germ at length.
and it may expand and unfold its germ at length.
and it may unfold its germ at length
for it has sent its radicle downward, & it may now
send its shoot upward also with confidence.
for it has sent its radicle downward, and it may now send its shoot upward
also with confidence.
for it has sent its radicle downward, and it may now send its shoot upward
also with confidence.
for it has sent its radicle downward, and it may now send its shoot upward
also with confidence.
for it has sent its radicle downward, and it may now send its shoot upward
also with confidence.
for it has sent its radicle downward, and it may now send its shoot upward
also with confidence.
Why has
he
he
he
man
man
man
man
man
man
rooted himself thus firmly in the earth, but that he may rise in the same
proportion into the heavens above?—for the nobler plants
bear their fruit
bear their fruit
are valued for the fruit they bear
are valued for the fruit they bear
are valued for the fruit they bear
are valued for the fruit they bear
are valued for the fruit they bear
are valued for the fruit they bear
are valued for the fruit they bear
at last in the air and light, far from the ground, and are not
treated
treated
treated
treated
treated
treated
treated
like the humbler esculents,
continually cut down at top that they make more root.
continually cut down at top that they may make more root
which though they may be biennials are cultivated only
till they have perfected their root & are often cut down at
top for this purpose, so that most would not know them in their flowering
season.
which, though they may be biennials, are cultivated only till they have
perfected their root, and often cut down at top for this purpose, so that most
would not know them in their flowering season.
which, though they may be biennials, are cultivated only till they have
perfected their root, and often cut down at top for this purpose, so that most
would not know them in their flowering season.
which, though they may be biennials, are cultivated only till they have
perfected their root, and often cut down at top for this purpose, so that most
would not know them in their flowering season.
which, though they may be biennials, are cultivated only till they have
perfected their root, and often cut down at top for this purpose, so that most
would not know them in their flowering season.
which, though they may be biennials, are cultivated only till they have
perfected their root, and often cut down at top for this purpose, so that most
would not know them in their flowering season.
which, though they may be biennials, are cultivated only till they have
perfected their root, and often cut down at top for this purpose, so that most
would not know them in their flowering season.
I do not mean to prescribe
rules here
rules here
rules
rules
rules
rules
rules
rules
to strong and valiant natures,
which
that
who
who
who
who
who
who
who
will mind their own affairs
in heaven or hell indifferently, and
whether in heaven or hell
indifferently, and perchance
whether in heaven or hell, and perchance
whether in heaven or hell, and perchance
whether in heaven or hell, and perchance
whether in heaven or hell, and perchance
whether in heaven or hell, and perchance
whether in heaven or hell, and perchance
build more magnificently and spend more lavishly than
Croesus,
Croesus
the richest,
the richest,
the richest,
the richest,
the richest,
the richest,
the richest,
without ever impoverishing themselves, not knowing how they live,—
nor to those, if there are any,
if indeed there are any such; nor to those,
if there are any,
if, indeed, there are any such, as has been dreamed; nor to those
if, indeed, there are any such, as has been dreamed; nor to those
if, indeed, there are any such, as has been dreamed; nor to those
if, indeed, there are any such, as has been dreamed; nor to those
if, indeed, there are any such, as has been dreamed; nor to those
if, indeed, there are any such, as has been dreamed; nor to those
who find their encouragement and inspiration in precisely the present
condition of
society,
society
things,
things,
things,
things,
things,
things,
things,
and cherish it with the fondness and enthusiasm of lovers,—
not
and in one sense I reckon myself in this number—I do not speak
and in one sense
to some extent I reckon myself in this number—I
do not speak
and, to some extent, I reckon myself in this number; I do not speak
and, to some extent, I reckon myself in this number; I do not speak
and, to some extent, I reckon myself in this number; I do not speak
and, to some extent, I reckon myself in this number; I do not speak
and, to some extent, I reckon myself in this number; I do not speak
and, to some extent, I reckon myself in this number; I do not speak
to those who are well employed,
under
under
in
in
in
in
in
in
in
whatever circumstances, and they
will know
willknow
know
know
know
know
know
know
whether they are well employed or not;—but
I speak
mainly
mainly
mainly
mainly
mainly
mainly
to the mass of men who are discontented,
and idly complaining of the hardness
of their lot
and
and
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
of the times, when they might improve them.
Why! there
Why, there
There
There
There
There
There
There
are some who complain most energetically
and inconsolably of all because, as they say, they are doing their
duty.—And I also speak to
and inconsolably of all
any, because they are, as they say,
they are doing their duty.—And I also speak to
and inconsolably of any, because they are, as they say, doing their duty. I
also have in mind
and inconsolably of any, because they are, as they say, doing their duty. I
also have in mind
and inconsolably of any, because they are, as they say, doing their duty. I
also have in mind
and inconsolably of any, because they are, as they say, doing their duty. I
also have in mind
and inconsolably of any, because they are, as they say, doing their duty. I
also have in mind
and inconsolably of any, because they are, as they say, doing their duty. I
also have in mind
that seemingly wealthy, but most terribly impoverished class of all, who have
accumulated dross, but know not how to
spend
use
use
use
use
use
use
use
use
it, or get rid of it, and thus have forged their own golden or silver
fetters.
If I should
undertake
undertake
attempt
attempt
attempt
attempt
attempt
attempt
attempt
to tell how I have desired to spend my life in years past,
I should probably only startle
I should probably only startle
it would probably surprise
it would probably surprise
it would probably surprise
it would probably surprise
it would probably surprise
it would probably surprise
it would probably surprise
you
those
n
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those of my readers
those of my readers
those of my readers
those of my readers
those of my readers
those of my readers
those of my readers
who are somewhat acquainted with its actual history;
it would certainly astonish those who know nothing
about it. I should certainly startle
astonish those who know nothing about it
it would certainly astonish those who know nothing about it.
it would certainly astonish those who know nothing about it.
it would certainly astonish those who know nothing about it.
it would certainly astonish those who know nothing about it.
it would certainly astonish those who know nothing about it.
it would certainly astonish those who know nothing about it.
I will only hint at some of the enterprises
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
I have cherished.
In any weather, at any hour of the day or night, I have been anxious to
improve the nick of time, and notch it on my stick too;
to stand on the meeting of two eternities,
the past and future, which is precisely the
present
time
moment;
moment;
moment;
moment;
moment;
moment;
moment;
moment;
to toe that line. You will pardon some obscurities,
for I believe
for I believe that
for
for
for
for
for
for
there are more secrets in my trade than in most men’s, and yet not
voluntary ones either,
voluntary ones either
voluntarily kept,
voluntarily kept,
voluntarily kept,
voluntarily kept,
voluntarily kept,
voluntarily kept,
voluntarily kept,
but inseparable from its very nature. I would gladly tell all
that
that
that
that
that
that
that
I know about it, and never paint “No Admittance” on my gate.
I long ago lost a hound,
and a turtle dove and a bay horse and a turtledove,
a bay horse, and a turtledove,
a bay horse, and a turtledove,
a bay horse, and a turtledove,
a bay horse, and a turtledove,
a bay horse, and a turtledove,
a bay horse, and a turtledove,
a bay horse, and a turtledove,
and am still on their trail.
Many’s the traveller
Many’s the traveller
Many are the travellers
Many are the travellers
Many are the travellers
Many are the travellers
Many are the travellers
Many are the travellers
Many are the travellers
I have spoken concerning them, describing their tracks and what calls they
answered to. I have met one or two who had heard the hound, and the tramp of the
horse, and even seen the dove disappear behind a cloud, and they seemed as anxious
to
recover them as if they had lost them themselves.
To anticipate, not the sunrise and the dawn merely, but, if possible, Nature
herself! How many mornings, summer and winter, before yet any
man
man
neighbor
neighbor
neighbor
neighbor
neighbor
neighbor
was stirring about his business,
I have I
have I
have I
have I
have I
have I
have I
have I
been about mine! No doubt,
some
some
many
many
many
many
many
many
many
of my
hearers
readers
n
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townsmen
townsmen
townsmen
townsmen
townsmen
townsmen
townsmen
have met me returning from this enterprise, farmers starting for Boston
in the twilight, or woodchoppers going to their work.
To be sure,
To be sure
It is true,
It is true,
It is true,
It is true,
It is true,
It is true,
It is true,
I never assisted the sun materially in his rising, but,
be sure
depend upon it
doubt not,
doubt not,
doubt not,
doubt not,
doubt not,
doubt not,
doubt not,
doubt not,
it was of the last importance only to be present at
it. How many an afternoon has been stolen from more
profitable if not more attractive industry, afternoons where a good run of
custom might have been expected on the main street, tempting all womankind
out of a shopping, spent I say by me on the margin of the meadows, in the
well nigh hopeless attempt to set this river on fire, or be set on fire by
it, with such tinder as I had with such flint as I was.
it. How many an afternoon has been stolen from more
profitable if not more attractive industry, afternoons were a good run of
custom might have been expected on the main street, tempting all womankind
out of a shopping—spent I say by me on the margin of the meadows in the well
night hopeless attempt to set this river on fire, or be set on fire by it,
with such tinder a I had, with such flint as I was.
it.
it.
it.
it.
it.
it.
So many autumn, ay, and
wintry
winter
winter
winter
winter
winter
winter
winter
days, spent outside the town, trying to hear what was in the wind,
to hear and carry it
express! I well-nigh sunk all my capital in it, and lost my own breath into the
bargain, running in the face of it. If it had concerned either of the
political
political
political
political
political
political
political
political
parties, depend upon it, it would have appeared in the Gazette
with the earliest intelligence. At other times
watching from the observatory of some
the cliffs or some tree
the cliffs or some tree
some cliff or tree,
some cliff or tree,
some cliff or tree,
some cliff or tree,
some cliff or tree,
some cliff or tree,
to telegraph
any new arrival; or
or waiting at evening on the hill tops for the sky to fall, that I might
catch something, though I never caught much, only a little manna-wise, that
would dissolve again in the sun.
or waiting at evening on the hill-tops for the sky to fall, that
I might catch something, though I never caught much, only a little
manna-wise, that would dissolve
& that manna-wise, which dissolved again in
the sun.
waiting at evening on the hill-tops for the sky
to fall, that I might catch something, though I never caught much, and that,
manna-wise, would dissolve again in the sun.
waiting at evening on the hill-tops for the sky
to fall, that I might catch something, though I never caught much, and that,
manna-wise, would dissolve again in the sun.
waiting at evening on the hill-tops for the sky
to fall, that I might catch something, though I never caught much, and that,
manna-wise, would dissolve again in the sun.
waiting at evening on the hill-tops for the sky
to fall, that I might catch something, though I never caught much, and that,
manna-wise, would dissolve again in the sun.
waiting at evening on the hill-tops for the sky
to fall, that I might catch something, though I never caught much, and that,
manna-wise, would dissolve again in the sun.
waiting at evening on the hill-tops for the sky
to fall, that I might catch something, though I never caught much, and that,
manna-wise, would dissolve again in the sun.
For a long time I was reporter to a journal,
of no very wide
circulation,
whose editor has never yet seen fit to print my contributions,
whose editor has never yet seen fit to print my
contributions,
whose editor has never yet seen fit to print the bulk of my
contributions,
whose editor has never yet seen fit to print the bulk of my
contributions,
whose editor has never yet seen fit to print the bulk of my
contributions,
whose editor has never yet seen fit to print the bulk of my
contributions,
whose editor has never yet seen fit to print the bulk of my
contributions,
whose editor has never yet seen fit to print the bulk of my
contributions,
and, as is too common
with writers,
with writers,
with writers,
with writers,
with writers,
with writers,
with writers,
I got only my
pains for my labor
labor for my pains. Literary contracts are so little binding.
labor for my pains Literary contracts are so little
binding.
labor for my pains.
labor for my pains.
labor for my pains.
labor for my pains.
labor for my pains.
labor for my pains.
However, in this case my pains were their own reward. However in
this case my labor was its
pains were their own reward.
However, in this case my pains were their own reward.
However, in this case my pains were their own reward.
However, in this case my pains were their own reward.
However, in this case my pains were their own reward.
However, in this case my pains were their own reward.
However, in this case my pains were their own reward.
However, in this case my pains were their own reward.
For many years I was self-appointed inspector
of snow storms
and rain storms, and did my duty faithfully; surveyor,
if not of highways, then of
forest paths and all across-lot routes, keeping them open, and ravines bridged and
passable at all seasons, where the public heel had testified to their utility.
I have looked after the wild stock of the town, which
pastures in common which as everyone knows give you
pastures
pasture in common, which as everyone knows
give you
& give a faithful herdsman
give a faithful herdsman
give a faithful herdsman
give a faithful herdsman
give a faithful herdsman
give a faithful herdsman
give a faithful herdsman
a good deal of trouble
in the way of
in the way of
by
by
by
by
by
by
by
leaping fences; and
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
have had an eye to the unfrequented nooks and corners of the farm; though I
did not always know whether Jonas or Solomon worked in a particular field to-day;
that was none of my business. I have watered the red huckleberry, the sand cherry
and
the nettle tree,
the cornel,
the cornel
the red pine, the wild holly, and the black ash,
the red pine and the black ash,
the red pine and the black ash,
the red pine and the black ash,
the red pine and the black ash,
the red pine and the black ash,
the red pine and the black ash,
the white grape and the yellow violet,
which might have withered else in dry seasons.
In short, I went on
thus
thus
thus
thus
thus
thus
thus
for a long time, I may say it without boasting, faithfully minding my
business, till it became more and more evident that my townsmen would not after all
admit me into the list of town officers, nor make my place a sinecure with a moderate
allowance. My accounts, which
indeed, which I can swear to have been faithfully kept, I
have,
indeed, which I can swear to have been faithfully kept, I
have indeed,
which I can swear to have kept faithfully, I have, indeed,
which I can swear to have kept faithfully, I have, indeed,
which I can swear to have kept faithfully, I have, indeed,
which I can swear to have kept faithfully, I have, indeed,
which I can swear to have kept faithfully, I have, indeed,
which I can swear to have kept faithfully, I have, indeed,
never got audited, still less accepted, still less paid and settled. However,
I have not set my heart on that.
The other day
Not long since, as I heard,
Not long since,
Not long since,
Not long since,
Not long since,
a strolling Indian
went to
sell baskets at the house of a well-known lawyer
in
Concord
my neighborhood.
my neighborhood.
my neighborhood.
my neighborhood.
“Do you wish to buy any baskets?” he asked. “No, we do not want any,” was the
reply. “What!”
exclaimed the Indian as he went out the gate, “do
you mean to starve us?” exclaimed the former as he was going out the
gate
exclaimed the Indian as he went out the gate, “do you mean to starve
us?”
exclaimed the Indian as he went out the gate, “do you mean to starve
us?”
exclaimed the Indian as he went out the gate, “do you mean to starve
us?”
exclaimed the Indian as he went out the gate, “do you mean to starve
us?”
Apparentlyhaving
Having
Having
Having
Having
seen his industrious white neighbors so well off,—that the lawyer had only to
weave arguments, and by some
magical means
magic
magic
magic
magic
magic
wealth and standing followed, he had said to
himself, “I will do like the white man;
himself;
himself;
himself;
himself;
I will go into business; I will weave baskets; it is a thing which I can do.
Thinking that when he had made the baskets he
had
would have
would have
would have
would have
would have
done his part, and
now it was ours
then it would be the white man’s
then it would be the white man’s
then it would be the white man’s
then it would be the white man’s
then it would be the white man’s
to buy them. He had not discovered that it was necessary for him to make it
worth
our
the other’s
the other’s
the other’s
the other’s
the other’s
while to buy them,
or at least make him see that it was so,
or at least make him think that it was so,
or at least make him think that it was so,
or at least make him think that it was so,
or at least make him think that it was so,
or to make something else which it would be worth
our
his
his
his
his
his
while to buy. I too had woven
baskets
a kind of basket
a kind of basket
a kind of basket
a kind of basket
a kind of basket
of a delicate texture, but I had not made it worth any one’s while to buy
them.
Yet not the less, in my case,
was
did I think
did I think
did I think
did I think
did I think
it worth my while to weave them,
and
and
and
and
and
instead of studying how to make it worth men’s while to buy my baskets, I
studied rather how to avoid the necessity of selling them. The life which men praise
and regard as successful is but one kind. Why should we exaggerate any one kind at
the expense of the
others? You have not described a man when you have told his race.
There are several varieties thereafter among
of plants. I am astonished at the security with which certain of
men’s enterprises proceed to. I never cooperate, or feel the least sympathy
with them. I cannot easily imagine a revolution in which I could be more than a
spectator! Toward most of my neighbors I am compelled to feel—like the Chinese
philosopher—I am I and you are you. I am glad we can be distinct.
others?
others?
others?
others?
I found in short that they
I found in short that they
As I have said finding that my fellow-citizens
Finding that my fellow-citizens
Finding that my fellow-citizens
Finding that my fellow-citizens
Finding that my fellow-citizens
Finding that my fellow-citizens
Finding that my fellow-citizens
were not likely to offer me any
office
office
room
room
room
room
room
room
room
in the court house,
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
any curacy or living any where else, but I must shift for myself,
So I
So I
I
I
I
I
I
I
turned my face more exclusively than ever to the woods, where I was better
known. I determined to go into business at once,
without waiting
without waiting
& not wait
and not wait
and not wait
and not wait
and not wait
and not wait
and not wait
to acquire
the usual
the usual
the usual
the usual
the usual
the usual
the usual
capital,
using such slender means as I had already got.
using such slender means as I had already got.
using such slender means as I had already got.
using such slender means as I had already got.
using such slender means as I had already got.
using such slender means as I had already got.
using such slender means as I had already got.
using such slender means as I had already got.
My
object
object
purpose
purpose
purpose
purpose
purpose
purpose
purpose
in going to Walden Pond was not to live cheaply nor to live dearly there, but
to transact some private business
with the fewest
ob
stacles;
a business to be prevented
a business to be prevented
to be hindered
to be hindered
to be hindered
to be hindered
to be hindered
to be hindered
to be hindered
from accomplishing which for want of a little common sense, a little
enterprise and business talent,
seemedseemed
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
appeared
not so sad as foolish.
Strict business habits I have always endeavored to
acquire;
Strict business habits I have always endeavored to acquire strict business habits;
I have always endeavored to acquire strict business habits;
I have always endeavored to acquire strict business habits;
I have always endeavored to acquire strict business habits;
I have always endeavored to acquire strict business habits;
I have always endeavored to acquire strict business habits;
I have always endeavored to acquire strict business habits;
they are indispensable to every man. If your trade is with the Celestial
Empire, then some small counting house on the coast, in some Salem
harbor, will be fixture enough. You will export such articles as
the country affords, purely native products, much ice and pine timber and a little
granite, always in native bottoms. These will be good ventures. To oversee all the
details yourself in person; to be at once pilot and captain, and owner and
underwriter; to buy and sell and keep the accounts; to read every letter received,
and write or read every letter sent; to superintend the discharge of imports night
and day; to be upon many parts of the coast almost at the same time;—often the
richest freight will be discharged upon a Jersey shore;
— to be your own telegraph, unweariedly sweeping the horizon,
speaking all passing vessels bound coastwise; to keep up a steady despatch of
commodities, for the supply of such a distant and exorbitant market; to keep
yourself
yourself
yourself
yourself
yourself
yourself
yourself
informed of the state of the markets, prospects of war and peace every where,
and anticipate the tendencies of trade and civilization,—taking advantage of the
results of all exploring expeditions, using new passages and all improvements in
navigation;—charts to be studied, the position of reefs and new lights and buoys to
be ascertained, and ever, and ever, the logarithmic tables to be corrected, for by
the error of some calculator the vessel often splits upon a rock that should have
reached a friendly pier,—there is the untold fate of La Perouse;
—universal science to be kept pace with, studying the
lives of all great discoverers and navigators, great adventurers and merchants, from
Han
no
and the Phœnicians down to our
days;
day;
day;
day;
day;
day;
day;
day;
in fine, account of stock to be taken from time to time, to know how you
stand. It is a labor to task the faculties of a man,—such problems of profit and
loss, of interest, of tare and tret,
and gauging of all kinds in it, as demand a universal knowledge.
I have thought that Walden Pond would be a good place for business, not
solely on account of the railroad and the ice trade;
it offers advantages
which it may not be good policy to
divulge yet it is the object of this
book to divulge them;
divulge yet it is the object of this
book to divulge them;
divulge;
divulge;
divulge;
divulge;
divulge;
divulge;
it is a good port
and a good foundation.
No Neva marshes
to be filled;
though I suppose
though I suppose that
though
though
though
though
though
though
you must every where build on piles of your own driving. It is said that a
flood-tide, with a westerly wind, and ice in the Neva, would sweep St. Petersburg
from the face of the earth.
As this business was to be entered
in
into
into
into
into
into
into
into
without the usual capital, it may not be easy to conjecture where those
means, that will still be indispensable to every
such
such
such
such
such
such
such
undertaking, were to be obtained. As for Clothing,
to come at once to the practical part of the question,
to come at once to the practical part of the question,
to come at once to the practical part of the question,
to come at once to the practical part of the question,
to come at once to the practical part of the question,
to come at once to the practical part of the question,
to come at once to the practical part of the question,
to come at once to the practical part of the question,
perhaps we are
oftener led
oftener led oftener
led oftener
led oftener
led oftener
led oftener
led oftener
led oftener
by the love of novelty, and a regard for the opinions of men, in procuring
it, than by a true
utility. It was no doubt the strongest argument against the
faith of the Millerites, that most of them continued to build and accumulate
property so as to be prepared in case the world should not come to an
end—But
utility.It was no doubt the strongest argument against
the faith of the Millerites, that most of them continued to build and
accumulate property so as the be prepared in case the world should not
come to an end. From the stock of clothing which some are accustomed to
lay in I judge that they do not expect that the world will soon come to
an end. But
utility.
utility.
utility.
utility.
utility.
utility.
Let him who has work to do
reflect
reflect
recollect
recollect
recollect
recollect
recollect
recollect
recollect
that the object of clothing is, first, to retain the
animal
animal
vital
vital
vital
vital
vital
vital
vital
heat, and secondly, in this state of society,
to cover nakedness,
and how much of any important and necessary work
might be accomplished without making any addition to his wardrobe!
and there will be found old clothes enough in everybody’s garret to
last till the Millenium if he only has faith in that. The bank bill that is torn in
two will pass if you save the pieces, if you have only got the essential
piece with the signatures. Lowell & Manchester think you will let their
broadcloth currency go when it is torn, but hold on, have an eye to the
signature, clout the back of it, or if it is a transmittendum endorse the
name of him from whom you received it
and he may judge how much of
any important and necessary or
important work might
may be accomplished without making any
addition
adding to his wardrobe —aye there will be
found old clothes enough in every body’s garret to last till the
Millenium. If he only have faith in that. The bank bill that is
torn in two will pass if you save the pieces, if you have only
got only the essential piece with the signatures
& so it is with our garments: they may be much worn & torn
& even clouted—and yet be passable. Lowell and Manchester think
that you will let their broadcloth currency go when it is
torn, but hold on, have an eye to the signature, clout the back
of it or
aye, the front of it, and if it is a
transmittendum, endorse the name of
be not ashamed to meet him from whom you
received it
and he may judge how much of any necessary or important work may be
accomplished without adding to his wardrobe.
and he may judge how much of any necessary or important work may be
accomplished without adding to his wardrobe.
and he may judge how much of any necessary or important work may be
accomplished without adding to his wardrobe.
and he may judge how much of any necessary or important work may be
accomplished without adding to his wardrobe.
and he may judge how much of any necessary or important work may be
accomplished without adding to his wardrobe.
and he may judge how much of any necessary or important work may be
accomplished without adding to his wardrobe.
Kings and queens who wear a suit but once, though made by some tailor or
dress-maker to their majesties, cannot know the comfort of wearing a suit that
fits. They are no better than wooden horses
to hang the clean clothes on. Every day
our garments become more assimilated to
us and receive
us
ourselves and receive
ourselves, receiving
ourselves, receiving
ourselves, receiving
ourselves, receiving
ourselves, receiving
ourselves, receiving
the impress of the wearer’s char
acter,
until we hesitate to lay them aside, without such delay and medical
appliances and some such solemnity even as our bodies. and
they should not be laid
it would be natural not to lay them aside but
after such delay and medical appliances and such solemnity as our
bodies.
until we hesitate to lay them aside, without such delay and medical
appliances and some such solemnity even as our bodies.
until we hesitate to lay them aside, without such delay and medical
appliances and some such solemnity even as our bodies.
until we hesitate to lay them aside, without such delay and medical
appliances and some such solemnity even as our bodies.
until we hesitate to lay them aside, without such delay and medical
appliances and some such solemnity even as our bodies.
until we hesitate to lay them aside, without such delay and medical
appliances and some such solemnity even as our bodies.
until we hesitate to lay them aside, without such delay and medical
appliances and some such solemnity even as our bodies.
No man ever stood
the lower
the lower
the lower
the lower
the lower
the lower
the lower
the lower
in my estimation for having a patch in his clothes;
But there is certainly greater anxiety to have clean and
whole
but
yet I am sure there is certainly
greater anxiety commonly to have clean
and whole
fashionable, or at least clean & unpatched
yet I am sure that there is greater anxiety, commonly, to have
fashionable, or at least clean and unpatched
yet I am sure that there is greater anxiety, commonly, to have
fashionable, or at least clean and unpatched
yet I am sure that there is greater anxiety, commonly, to have
fashionable, or at least clean and unpatched
yet I am sure that there is greater anxiety, commonly, to have
fashionable, or at least clean and unpatched
yet I am sure that there is greater anxiety, commonly, to have
fashionable, or at least clean and unpatched
yet I am sure that there is greater anxiety, commonly, to have
fashionable, or at least clean and unpatched
clothes, than to have a sound conscience.
though
though
But
But
But
But
But
But
But
even if the rent is not
patched
patched
mended
mended,
mended,
mended,
mended,
mended,
mended,
perhaps the worst vice betrayed is improvidence.
I sometimes try my
friends and acquaintances
friends and acquaintances
friends and acquaintances
acquaintances
acquaintances
acquaintances
acquaintances
by such tests as this;—who could wear a patch,
say
say
or say
or
or
or
or
two extra seams only, over the knee? Most
would think
would think
would think
would behave as if they thought
believed
behave as if they believed
behave as if they believed
behave as if they believed
behave as if they believed
that their prospects for life
were
were
were
would be
would be
would be
would be
would be
ruined if they should do it. It would be easier for them to hobble to town
with a broken leg than with a broken
pantaloon.—Or I ask who could trundle a wheelbarrow through
the village streets—few could stand this test
pantaloon.—Or I ask who could trundle a wheelbarrow through
the village streets—few could stand this test
pantaloon.—Or I ask who could trundle a wheelbarrow
through the village streets—many could not stand this test.
pantaloon.
pantaloon.
pantaloon.
pantaloon.
Often if an accident happens to a gentleman’s legs, they can be mended;
but if a similar accident happens to the legs of his pantaloons, there
r
Revision note: D1: is usually
is usually
is
is
is
is
no help for it; for he considers, not what is truly respectable, but what
is respected.
We
know after all
know after all
know
know
know
know
know
know
but few men, a great many coats and breeches. Dress a scarecrow in your
last shift, you standing shiftless by, who would not soonest salute the scarecrow?
Passing a cornfield the other day, close by a hat and coat on a stake, I
recognized the owner of the farm. He was only a little more weather-beaten than
when I saw him
last. In fact the back being toward me I missed nothing and
thought to myself that if I were a crow I should not fear the presence of
him at all. This same coat on a stick made on one the total impression which
the farmer never was wont to have
had on the other hand. Also, I have frequently
mistaken a laborer in the field for a scarecrow.
last.
last.
last.
last.
I have heard of a dog that barked at
every stranger who approached his master’s premises with clothes on, but was
easily quieted by a naked
man.
man.
man.
man. How often have I seen a countryman come into town
a-shopping in a high-set wagon, whose clothes looked as if they were made
before the last war by a maiden sister,—no reproach to her,—his coat hung so
high that you could see the whole of his waistcoat pockets beneath it, while
the scant coat-tail hastened to a speedy conclusion, like a frog
couchant on a bank; the funnel-shaped sleeves halting at a respectable
distance from his victorious palms; and the collar hard-rolled and round
like a boa constrictor tempting
prompting you to run to his rescue, or as if
crisped by an agony of heat; his waistcoat striped like a zebra’s skin a
kind of coarse grating or gridiron over the furnace of his heart; his pants
straight and round as a stove-pipe, into which his boots fitted smoke tight
at a height which preserved them guiltless of his country’s mud; and his
narrow-brimmed hat towering straight and round like a column to meet the sun
in his rising, of equal diameter throughout, the torso of a shaft, or may be
a cenotaph to his brains, with a hat as soft as a pussy, across which the
dimpling shadows fly as over a field of grain in autumn.
thief.
It
might be
is
is
is
is
is
is
is
an interesting question how far men would retain their relative rank if
they were
to lose
be divested
to lose
be divested
to be divested
divested
divested
divested
divested
of their clothes. Could you, in such a case, tell surely of any
procession
company
company
company
company
company
company
company
of civilized men, which belonged to the most respected class?
When Madam Pfeiffer,
in her adventurous
travels round the world, from east to west, had got so near home as Asiatic
Russia, she says that she felt the
necessity of wearing other than a travelling
dress, when she went to meet the authorities,
for as she remarks
for
for
for
for
she “was now in a civilized country, where ——— — people are judged of by
their clothes.” Even in our democratic New England towns the accidental possession
of wealth, and its manifestation in dress and equipage alone,
command
obtain
obtain
obtain
obtain
obtain
for the possessor almost universal respect. But they who yield such
respect,
wherever & however numerous as
numerous as
numerous as
numerous as
numerous as
they are, are
the
so far
so far
so far
so far
so far
heathen, and need to have a missionary sent to them.
Above all, clothes brought in
Above all, clothes brought in
Beside, clothes introduced
Beside, clothes introduced
Beside, clothes introduced
Beside, clothes introduced
Beside, clothes introduced
Beside, clothes introduced
Beside, clothes introduced
sewing, a kind of work
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
you may call endless;
a woman’s dress, at least, is never done.
For a woman’s dress at least is never done
a woman’s dress, at least, is never done.
a woman’s dress, at least, is never done.
a woman’s dress, at least, is never done.
a woman’s dress, at least, is never done.
a woman’s dress, at least, is never done.
a woman’s dress, at least, is never done.
A man who has at length
found out somethingimportant
found out something
found something
found something
found something
found something
found something
found something
to do will not
have
have
need
need
need
need
need
need
need
to get a new suit to do it in; for him the old will do, that has lain dusty in
the garret for an
indefinite
indefinite
indeterminate
indeterminate
indeterminate
indeterminate
indeterminate
indeterminate
indeterminate
period. Old shoes will serve a hero longer than they have served his valet,—
if a hero ever has a valet,
if a hero ever has a valet,
if a hero ever has a valet,
if a hero ever has a valet,
if a hero ever has a valet,
if a hero ever has a valet,
if a hero ever has a valet,
—bare feet are
the oldest of
the oldest of
older than
older than
older than
older than
older than
older than
older than
shoes, and he can make them do. Only they who go to soirées and legislative
halls
i.e., a-courting
halls
i.e., a-courting
halls
halls
halls
halls
halls
halls
must have new coats, coats to
turn
turn
change
change
change
change
change
change
change
as often as the man
turns
turns
changes
changes
changes
changes
changes
changes
changes
in them.
If my jacket and trousers, my boots and shoes are fit to worship God in
they will do, will they not Dea. Spaulding?
If my jacket and trousers, my boots
hat and shoes are fit to worship God in they will
do, will they not Dea. Spaulding?
But if my jacket and trousers, my hat and shoes, are fit to worship God in,
they will do; will they not?
But if my jacket and trousers, my hat and shoes, are fit to worship God in,
they will do; will they not?
But if my jacket and trousers, my hat and shoes, are fit to worship God in,
they will do; will they not?
But if my jacket and trousers, my hat and shoes, are fit to worship God in,
they will do; will they not?
But if my jacket and trousers, my hat and shoes, are fit to worship God in,
they will do; will they not?
But if my jacket and trousers, my hat and shoes, are fit to worship God in,
they will do; will they not?
Who ever saw his old
shoes,
clothes,
clothes,
clothes,
clothes,
clothes,
clothes,
clothes,
—his old coat, actually worn out, resolved into
its
their
their
its
its
its
its
its
its
its
primitive elements, so that it was not a deed of charity to bestow
them
them
it
it
it
it
it
it
it
on some
poorer
poorer
poor
poor
poor
poor
poor
poor
boy, by him
perchance
perchance
perchance
perchance
perchance
perchance
perchance
to be bestowed on some poorer still, or shall we say richer, who
can
can
could
could
could
could
could
could
could
do with less?
I should say beware
I should say beware
I say, beware
I say, beware
I say, beware
I say, beware
I say, beware
I say, beware
of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of
clothes. If there is not a new man, how can
there be a new suit, and not rather a new mis-fit &
non-suit?
there be a new suit, and not rather a new mis-fit and non-suit
the new clothes be made to fit?
the new clothes be made to fit?
the new clothes be made to fit?
the new clothes be made to fit?
the new clothes be made to fit?
the new clothes be made to fit?
the new clothes be made to fit?
If you have any enterprise before you,
I say try
I say try
try
try
try
try
try
try
it in your old clothes. All men want, not something to
do with
, but something to
do
, or rather something to
be
.
Once more I should advise never to
Perhaps we should never
Perhaps we should never
Perhaps we should never
Perhaps we should never
Perhaps we should never
Perhaps we should never
Perhaps we should never
Perhaps we should never
procure a new
suit of clothes,
suit of clothes,
suit,
suit,
suit,
suit,
suit,
suit,
however ragged or dirty the old, until
you
we
we
we
we
we
we
we
we
have so conducted,
so enterprised or sailed in some way, that we feel like
a new man
a new man
new men
new men
new men
new men
new men
new men
new men
in the old, and that to retain
them
them
it
it
it
it
it
it
it
would be
like
like
like
like
like
like
like
keeping new wine in old bottles.
Our moulting season, like that of the fowls, must be a
crisis in our lives,—it is well known that the loon retires to
solitary ponds to spend it
Our moulting season, like that of the fowls, must be a crisis in our lives.
The loon retires to solitary ponds to spend it.
Our moulting season, like that of the fowls, must be a crisis in our lives.
The loon retires to solitary ponds to spend it.
Our moulting season, like that of the fowls, must be a crisis in our lives.
The loon retires to solitary ponds to spend it.
Our moulting season, like that of the fowls, must be a crisis in our lives.
The loon retires to solitary ponds to spend it.
Our moulting season, like that of the fowls, must be a crisis in our lives.
The loon retires to solitary ponds to spend it.
Our moulting season, like that of the fowls, must be a crisis in our lives.
The loon retires to solitary ponds to spend it.
Thus
also
also
also
also
also
also
also
the snake casts its slough, and the caterpillar its wormy coat, by an internal
industry and expansion;
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil
.
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil.
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil.
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil.
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil.
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil.
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil.
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil.
Otherwise
you will
we shall
we shall
we shall
we shall
we shall
we shall
we shall
we shall
be found sailing under false colors,
for clothes are but our outmost cuticle and mortal coil and be
inevitably cashiered by your
our own & the opinion of mankind.
and be inevitably cashiered at last by our own
and the opinion as well as that of
mankind.
and be inevitably cashiered at last by our own opinion, as well as that of
mankind.
and be inevitably cashiered at last by our own opinion, as well as that of
mankind.
and be inevitably cashiered at last by our own opinion, as well as that of
mankind.
and be inevitably cashiered at last by our own opinion, as well as that of
mankind.
and be inevitably cashiered at last by our own opinion, as well as that of
mankind.
and be inevitably cashiered at last by our own opinion, as well as that of
mankind.
Usually, we
We
We
We
We
don garment after garment, as if we grew like exogenous plants
by addition without. Our outside and often thin and
fanciful clothes are our epidermis or false skin, which partakes not of
the life of the plant,
our life,
our life,
our life,
our life,
and may be stripped off here and there without fatal injury; our thicker
garments, constantly worn, are our cellular integument,
or cortex?
or cortex;
or cortex;
or cortex;
or cortex;
our
but our
but our
but our
but our
shirts are our liber or true bark, which cannot be removed without
girdling and so destroying the man. I believe that all
races do
races
races
races
races
at some seasons wear something equivalent to the
last.
shirt.
shirt.
shirt.
shirt.
It is desirable that a man be clad so simply
r
Revision note: A1:
that he
that he
that he
that he
that he
that he
can lay his hands on himself in the dark, and that he live in all respects
so compactly and
r
Revision note: A1: prepared
prepared
prepared
preparedly
preparedly
preparedly
preparedly
preparedly
preparedly
preparedly
that, if an enemy
r
Revision note: A1: should take
should take
should take
should take
take
take
take
take
take
the
r
Revision note: A1: city,
city,
city,
city,
city,
town,
town,
town,
town,
he can,
like the old philosopher,
like the old philosopher,
like the old philosopher,
like the old philosopher,
like the old philosopher,
like the old philosopher,
like the old philosopher,
like the old philosopher,
walk out the gate empty-handed without anxiety. While one thick garment is,
r
Revision note: A1:
for most purposes,
for most purposes,
for most purposes,
for most purposes,
for most purposes,
for most purposes,
as good as three thin ones, and cheap clothing can be obtained at prices
really to suit customers; while
r
Revision note: A1: cow hide boots can be bought for 8 shillings a pair—a summer
hat for 25 cents and a winter cap for 5 shillings or better may be homemade
cow hide boots can be bought for 8 shillings a pair, a summer
hat for 25 cents, and a winter cap for 5 shillings
three and nine pence, or a better may be home made
cow-hide boots can be bought for eight shillings a pair, a
summer hat for twenty five cents, and a winter cap for three and nine pence,
or a better may be home made
cow-hide boots can be bought for eight
nine shillings a pair, a summer hat for twenty
five cents, and a winter cap for three & nine pence, or a better
may be home made
made at home
a thick coat can be bought for five dollars, which will last
as many years, (for example, the one I have on.)
and a thin one for 90 cents
thick pantaloons for 2 dollars (the most durable I ever had cost
half a dollar less)
cow-hide boots for nine shillings
a dollar & a half a pair, a summer hat for twenty-five
cents
a quarter of a dollar, and a winter cap for
three and nine pence,
sixty-two & a half cents or a better be made at home
a thick coat can be bought for five dollars, which will last as many
years, thick pantaloons for two dollars, cowhide boots for a dollar and a
half a pair, a summer hat for a quarter of a dollar, and a winter cap for
sixty-two and a half cents, or a better be made at home
a thick coat can be bought for five dollars, which will last as many
years, thick pantaloons for two dollars, cowhide boots for a dollar and a
half a pair, a summer hat for a quarter of a dollar, and a winter cap for
sixty-two and a half cents, or a better be made at home
a thick coat can be bought for five dollars, which will last as many
years, thick pantaloons for two dollars, cowhide boots for a dollar and a
half a pair, a summer hat for a quarter of a dollar, and a winter cap for
sixty-two and a half cents, or a better be made at home
a thick coat can be bought for five dollars, which will last as many
years, thick pantaloons for two dollars, cowhide boots for a dollar and a
half a pair, a summer hat for a quarter of a dollar, and a winter cap for
sixty-two and a half cents, or a better be made at home
at a nominal cost, where is he so poor that, clad in such a suit,
of his own earning
,
there will not be found wise men
to do him reverence?
When I ask for a garment of a particular form, my
tailoress
tells me gravely, “They
do not make them so now,” not emphasizing the “They” at all, as if she quoted an
authority as impersonal as the Fates, and I find it difficult to get made what I
want, simply because she cannot believe that I mean what I say, that I am so rash.
When I hear this oracular sentence, I am for a moment absorbed in thought,
emphasizing to myself each word separately that I may come at the meaning of it,
that I may find out by what degree of consanguinity They are related to me, and what authority they may have in an affair which affects
me so nearly;
that I may find out by what degree of consanguinity They are related to me, and what authority they may have in an affair which affects me
so nearly;
and, finally, I am inclined to answer her with equal mystery, and without
any more emphasis of the “they,”—“It is true, they did not make them so recently,
but they do now.”
I just had a coat come home from the tailors. Ah me! who am I
that should wear this coat? It was fitted upon one of the Devil’s angels
about my size. Of
Of
what use
that
this
this
measuring of me if
he did
she does
she does
not measure my character, but only the breadth of my shoulders, as it were
a peg to hang
it
the coat on? This is not the figure that I
cut; this is the figure the tailor cuts. Impertinent Fashion whispered in
his ear so that he heard no word of mine. As if I had said Not my will, O
Fashion, but thine be done?
the coat on?
We worship not the Graces,
nor the Parcæ,
but Fashion. She
spins and weaves and cuts with full authority. The head monkey at Paris puts on a
traveller’s cap, and all the monkeys in America do the same. I sometimes despair
of
ever getting
getting
any thing quite simple and honest done in this world by the help of men.
They would have to be passed through a powerful press first, to squeeze their old
notions out of them, so that they would not soon get upon their legs again, and
then there would be some one in the company with a maggot in his head, hatched
from an egg deposited there nobody knows when,
for they say that
for
not even fire kills these things, and you would have lost your labor.
Nevertheless, we will not forget that some Egyptian wheat
is said to have
been handed down to us by a mummy.
Clothing has not in this country or any where in
modern times
Clothing has not in this country or any where in
modern times
Clothing has not in this country or any where in
modern times
On the whole I think it cannot be maintained
that wearing clothes
dressing has in this or any country
On the whole I think it cannot be maintained
that wearing clothes
dressing has in this or any country
On the whole I think it cannot be maintained
that wearing clothes
dressing has in this or any country
On the whole I think it cannot be maintained that dressing
has, in this or any country
On the whole, I think that it cannot be maintained that dressing has in
this or any country
risen to the dignity of an art. At present men make shift to wear what they
can get. Like shipwrecked sailors, they put on what they can find on the beach,
and at a little distance,
whether of space or time,
whether of space or time,
whether of space or time,
whether of space or time,
whether of space or time,
whether of space or time,
whether of space or time,
whether of space or time,
laugh at each other's masquerade. Every generation laughs at the old
fashions, but follows religiously the new. We are amused
at the pictures
costume
at the costume
at beholding the costume
at beholding the costume
at beholding the costume
at beholding the costume
at beholding the costume
at beholding the costume
of Henry VIII,
and
and
or
or
or
or
or
or
Queen Elizabeth, as much as if
they were
they were
it was that of
it was that of
it was that of
it was that of
it was that of
it was that of
the King and Queen of the Cannibal
Islands. When our garments are worn out, we hang them
up in the fields to scare crows with, and perhaps the reason why men scare
crows is partly in their clothes.
Islands. When our garments are worn out, we hang them
up in the fields to scare crows with, and perhaps the reason why men scare
crows is partly in their clothes.
Islands. When our garments are worn out, we hang them
up in the fields to scare crows with, and perhaps the reason why men scare
crows is partly in their clothes.
Islands. When our garments are worn out, we hang them
up in the fields to scare crows with, and perhaps the reason why men scare
crows is partly in their clothes.
Islands. When our garments are worn out, we hang them
up in the fields to scare crows with, and perhaps the reason why men scare
crows is partly in their clothes.
Islands. When our garments are worn out, we hang them
up in the fields to scare crows with, and perhaps the reason why men scare
crows is partly in their clothes.
Islands. When our garments are worn out, we hang them
up in the fields to scare crows with, and perhaps the reason why men scare
crows is partly in their clothes.
Islands.
n
Note: An earlier version of
this passage appears in A & B in Economy 40a. (R. Clapper)
It is true, all
It is true, all
It is true, all
It is true, all
All
costume off a man is pitiful or grotesque. It is only the serious eye
peering from and the sincere life passed within it, which restrain laughter and
consecrate the costume of any people. Let Harlequin
be taken with a fit of the
colic in the midst of his buffoonery
colic
colic
colic
colic
and his trappings will have to serve that mood too. When the soldier is hit
by a cannon ball rags are as becoming as purple.
The
savage and childish
savage and childish
childish and savage
childish and savage
childish and savage
childish and savage
childish and savage
childish and savage
taste of men and women for new
prints and patterns
prints and patterns
patterns
patterns
patterns
patterns
patterns
patterns
keeps how
many men
many men
many men
many men
many
many
many
many
shaking and squinting through kaleidoscopes that they may discover the
particular figure which
the skin deep taste of this
the skin deep taste of this
the skin deep taste of this
the skin-deep
shallow taste of this
this
this
this
this
generation requires
to-day.—As if, after all, the Ethiopian could change
his skin, or the leopard his spots. When our garments are worn out we hang
them up in the fields to scare crows with, as if the reason why men scare
crows, was in their clothes. I have often experienced the difficulty of
getting within gun-shot of a crow.—It is not because they smell
powder.
to-day.—As if, after all, the Ethiopian could change
his skin, or the leopard his spots. When our garments are worn out we hang
them up in the fields to scare crows with, as if the reason why men scare
crows, was in their clothes. I have often experienced the difficulty of
getting within gun-shot of a crow.—It is not because they smell
powder.
to-day.
to-day.
to-day.
to-day.
to-day.
to-day.
n
Note: A later version of this passage
appears in D & G in Economy 39a. (R. Clapper)
I have been told at a certain factory
The manufacturers have learned that the taste of the public in
this respect was singularly
is merely whimsical and that it was impossible to foretell
what would suit it.
The manufacturers have learned that this taste is merely
whimsical.
The manufacturers have learned that this taste is merely
whimsical.
The manufacturers have learned that this taste is merely
whimsical.
The manufacturers have learned that this taste is merely
whimsical.
Of two patterns which
differed
differ
differ
differ
differ
differ
only by a few threads more or less of a particular color, the one
would
will
will
will
will
will
be sold readily, the other
would lie
lie
lie
lie
lie
on the shelf,
shelf,thus occasioning great loss to the manufacturer,
shelf,
shelf,
shelf,
shelf,
though it frequently happens that after the lapse of a season the latter
becomes the most fashionable. Comparatively, tattooing is not the hideous custom
which it is called. It is not barbarous
merely
merely
merely
merely
merely
because the printing is skin-deep and unalterable.
I
have little hesitation in saying that our factory system is not
have little hesitation in saying that our present factory system is not
have little hesitation in saying that our present factory system is not
do not think
cannot believe that our factory system is
cannot believe that our factory system is
cannot believe that our factory system is
cannot believe that our factory system is
cannot believe that our factory system is
the best mode by which men may
be clothed. And
be clothed. And
get clothing.
get clothing.
get clothing.
get clothing.
get clothing.
get clothing.
The condition of the operatives is becoming every day
more and more
more and more
more
more
more
more
more
more
like that of the English; and it cannot be wondered at, since, as far as I
have
heard of
heard or
heard or
heard or
heard or
heard or
heard or
heard or
observed, the principal ob
ject is, not that mankind may be well and
worthily
worthily
honestly
honestly
honestly
honestly
honestly
honestly
clad, but, unquestionably, that corporations may be enriched. In the long run
mankind
men
men
men
men
men
men
men
hit only what they aim at.
Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at
something high.
Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at
something high.
Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at
something high.
Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at
something high.
Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at
something high.
Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at
something high.
As for a Shelter,
we
we
I
I
I
I
I
I
will not deny that this is now a necessary of life,
though there are instances of men having done
without it for long periods in colder countries than this.
though there are instances of men having done without it for long periods
in colder countries than this.
though there are instances of men having done without it for long periods
in colder countries than this.
though there are instances of men having done without it for long periods
in colder countries than this.
though there are instances of men having done without it for long periods
in colder countries than this.
though there are instances of men having done without it for long periods
in colder countries than this.
r
Revision note: B1:
Samuel Laing, who is good authority on such
this subject, says
although according to Samuel Laing, who is good
authority on such a subject
Although according to Samuel Laing
The traveller Laing who is good authority says
The traveller Samuel Laing, who is good
authority, says that
Samuel Laing says that
Samuel Laing says that
Samuel Laing says that
Samuel Laing says that
“The Laplander in his skin dress, and in a skin bag which he puts over his
head and shoulders, will sleep night after night on the
r
Revision note: B1: snow in the fjelde [an immense table land in Norway]
snow in the fjelde
snow in the fjelde [an immense table-land in
Norway]
snow in the fjelde [an immense table-land in Norway] n
Note: Note: The brackets in this passage are
Thoreau’s. (R. Clapper)
snow
snow
snow
snow
—in a degree of cold which would extinguish the life of one exposed to it in
any woollen clothing.”
r
Revision note: B1: And yet he adds, “They are not hardier than other
people.” He had seen them asleep under these circumstances.
And yet he adds, “They are not hardier than other
people.” He had seen them asleep under these circumstances.
He had seen them asleep thus
And yet he adds, “They are not hardier than other people.”
He had seen them asleep under these circumstances.
He had seen them asleep under these
circumstances and yet he adds “They are not hardier than other
people.”
He had seen them asleep thus. Yet he adds, “They are not hardier than
other people."
He had seen them asleep thus. Yet he adds, “They are not hardier than
other people."
He had seen them asleep thus. Yet he adds, “They are not hardier than
other people."
He had seen them asleep thus. Yet he adds, “They are not hardier than
other people."
Man does not live long in this world without finding out the
comfort
Man does.
did not live long in this world without
finding out the comfort which
But probably Man did not live long in
this world without finding out the comfort
on the earth without discovering the
convenience which
But, probably, man did not live long on the earth without discovering the
convenience which
But, probably, man did not live long on the earth without discovering the
convenience which
But, probably, man did not live long on the earth without discovering the
convenience which
But, probably, man did not live long on the earth without discovering the
convenience which
But, probably, man did not live long on the earth without discovering the
convenience which
there is in a house, the domestic comforts, which phrase
originally
originally
appears to have originally
may have originally
may have originally
may have originally
may have originally
may have originally
signified the satisfactions of the house more than of the family; though
these must be extremely partial and
transitory
transitory
transitory
occasional
occasional
occasional
occasional
occasional
occasional
in those climates where the house is
associated
associated
associated in the mind of the
inhabitants
associated in our thoughts
associated in our thoughts
associated in our thoughts
associated in our thoughts
associated in our thoughts
with winter or the rainy season chiefly,
and for
and for
and for
and
and
and
and
and
two thirds of the year, except for a parasol, is
dispensed with.
dispensed with.
dispensed with
unnecessary.
unnecessary.
unnecessary.
unnecessary.
unnecessary.
unnecessary.
In our climate, in the
summer season, the house was formerly only
summer season, the house was formerly only
summer season, the house
it was formerly only
almost solely
summer, it was formerly almost solely
summer, it was formerly almost solely
summer, it was formerly almost solely
summer, it was formerly almost solely
summer, it was formerly almost solely
a covering at night. In the Indian gazettes
the wigwam
the wigwam
the
a wigwam
a wigwam
a wigwam
a wigwam
a wigwam
a wigwam
was the symbol of a day’s march, and a row of them cut or painted on the
bark of a tree signified that so many times they had camped.
Man was not made so large limbed and
tough
r
Revision note: B1: tough
tough
tough
robust
robust
robust
robust
robust
robust
but that he must seek to narrow his world, and wall in a space such as
fits
r
Revision note: B1: fits
fits
fitted
fitted
fitted
fitted
fitted
fitted
fitted
him. He
found himself all
r
Revision note: B1: found himself all
found himself all
at first
found himself
was at first
was at first
was at first
was at first
was at first
was at first
bare and out of doors;
(and divested of prejudice, out of doors he is still, though
that is a country we do not inhabit)
r
Revision note: B1:
(and, divested of prejudice, out of doors he is still, though that is a
country we do not inhabit.)
But
but
but
but
but
but
but
though this was pleasant enough in serene and warm weather, by daylight,
the rainy season and the winter,
r
Revision note: B1:
to say nothing of the torrid sun,
to say nothing of the torrid sun,
to say nothing of the torrid sun,
to say nothing of the torrid sun,
to say nothing of the torrid sun,
would perhaps have nipped his race in the bud if he had not made haste to
clothe himself with the shelter of a house. Adam and Eve, according to the
fable,
wore the bower before
other clothes. Man
sought
r
Revision note: B1: sought
sought
sought
wanted
wanted
wanted
wanted
wanted
wanted
a home, a place of warmth,
r
Revision note: B1:
or comfort,
or comfort,
first of physical warmth, then the warmth of the affections.
We can imagine
amuse ourselves with imagining a time when perhaps it was a lucky thought of some early
wight to take shelter in caves from sun and rain, a first and doubtful step,
uncertain whether of instinct or reason but a
great deal better than the old way, which yet was not without its
advantages. After long experience of pelting storms on the bare skin, and
the alternation of sunshine and shade, some inspired wit discovered how to
use Nature as a shield against herself, and doubtfully at first, yet
impelled by the idea, crept into a cavity in the
a rock or perchance so
far in that it sufficed. And then some remote descendent of more inventive genius, pitying
considering the hard fate of men who were obliged to forego
as yet the fair
expanding plains and fertile valleys visible
afar, and restrict their wanderings to the porous hill country,— some
genius nicely discriminating what was essential in the cave, and
what adventitious, invented the roof, the cave above ground, the portable
cave, invented to stand under a palm tree to extend palm-leaves
over head, impermeable to sun and rain, an effectual protection; the record
of which remains yet in all languages, in the Latin tecturn in English
shelter or roof;—and in the course of ages the conviction was slowly forced
upon all men, that the roof was good and should
deserved to prevail, nor would the Gods be
displeased thereby. And lo! the plains and valleys too were
populated
peopled, and the dingy cramped and uniformed
families of man were dispersed into nimble and spreading nations
We can imagine
amuse ourselves with imagining a time when perhaps it was a lucky thought of some early
wight to take shelter in caves from sun and rain, a first and doubtful step,
uncertain whether of instinct or reason but a
great deal better than the old way, which yet was not without its
advantages. After long experience of pelting storms on the bare skin, and
the alternation of sunshine and shade, some inspired wit discovered how to
use Nature as a shield against herself, and doubtfully at first, yet
impelled by the idea, crept into a cavity in the
a rock or perchance so
far in that it sufficed. And then some remote descendent of more inventive genius, pitying
considering the hard fate of men who were obliged to forego
as yet the fair
expanding plains and fertile valleys visible
afar, and restrict their wanderings to the porous hill country,— some
genius nicely discriminating what was essential in the cave, and
what adventitious, invented the roof, the cave above ground, the portable
cave, invented to stand under a palm tree to extend palm-leaves
over head, impermeable to sun and rain, an effectual protection; the record
of which remains yet in all languages, in the Latin tecturn in English
shelter or roof;—and in the course of ages the conviction was slowly forced
upon all men, that the roof was good and should
deserved to prevail, nor would the Gods be
displeased thereby. And lo! the plains and valleys too were
populated
peopled, and the dingy cramped and uniformed
families of man were dispersed into nimble and spreading nations
We can imagine
amuse ourselves with imagining a time when perhaps it was a lucky thought of some early
wight to take shelter in caves from sun and rain, a first and doubtful step,
uncertain whether of instinct or reason but a
great deal better than the old way, which yet was not without its
advantages. After long experience of pelting storms on the bare skin, and
the alternation of sunshine and shade, some inspired wit discovered how to
use Nature as a shield against herself, and doubtfully at first, yet
impelled by the idea, crept into a cavity in the
a rock or perchance so
far in that it sufficed. And then some remote descendent of more inventive genius, pitying
considering the hard fate of men who were obliged to forego
as yet the fair
expanding plains and fertile valleys visible
afar, and restrict their wanderings to the porous hill country,— some
genius nicely discriminating what was essential in the cave, and
what adventitious, invented the roof, the cave above ground, the portable
cave, invented to stand under a palm tree to extend palm-leaves
over head, impermeable to sun and rain, an effectual protection; the record
of which remains yet in all languages, in the Latin tecturn in English
shelter or roof;—and in the course of ages the conviction was slowly forced
upon all men, that the roof was good and should
deserved to prevail, nor would the Gods be
displeased thereby. And lo! the plains and valleys too were
populated
peopled, and the dingy cramped and uniformed
families of man were dispersed into nimble and spreading nations
We can imagine
amuse ourselves with imagining a time when perhaps it was a lucky thought of some early
wight to take shelter in caves from sun and rain, a first and doubtful step,
uncertain whether of instinct or reason but a
great deal better than the old way, which yet was not without its
advantages. After long experience of pelting storms on the bare skin, and
the alternation of sunshine and shade, some inspired wit discovered how to
use Nature as a shield against herself, and doubtfully at first, yet
impelled by the idea, crept into a cavity in the
a rock or perchance so
far in that it sufficed. And then some remote descendent of more inventive genius, pitying
considering the hard fate of men who were obliged to forego
as yet the fair
expanding plains and fertile valleys visible
afar, and restrict their wanderings to the porous hill country,— some
genius nicely discriminating what was essential in the cave, and
what adventitious, invented the roof, the cave above ground, the portable
cave, invented to stand under a palm tree to extend palm-leaves
over head, impermeable to sun and rain, an effectual protection; the record
of which remains yet in all languages, in the Latin tecturn in English
shelter or roof;—and in the course of ages the conviction was slowly forced
upon all men, that the roof was good and should
deserved to prevail, nor would the Gods be
displeased thereby. And lo! the plains and valleys too were
populated
peopled, and the dingy cramped and uniformed
families of man were dispersed into nimble and spreading nations
We may imagine a time when, in the infancy of the human race,
a man first
some enterprising mortal crept into a hollow in a rock for
shelter. I have tried it myself with childish delight, as one may ride
on a rail.
We may imagine a time when, in the infancy of the human race, some
enterprising mortal crept into a hollow in a rock for shelter.
Every child begins the world again, to some extent, and loves to stay
outdoors,
longer than its parents think prudent
even in wet & cold.
longer than its parents think prudent
even in wet & cold.
longer than its parents think prudent
even in wet & cold.
longer than its parents think prudent
even in wet & cold.
longer than its parents think prudent
even in wet & cold.
even in wet and cold.
It plays house, as well as horse, having an instinct for it.
I
Who does not remember well the
singular
I
Who does not remember well the
singular
I
Who does not remember well the
singular
I
Who does not remember well the
singular
I
Who does not remember well the
singular
Who does not remember the
interest with which when
younger I
young he
younger I
young he
younger I
young he
younger I
young he
younger I
young he
young he
looked at shelving rocks, or any approach to a
cavern, and that sometimes I was impelled to steal away and sit by a
fire in a storm
cave?
cavern, and that sometimes I was impelled to steal away and sit by a
fire in a storm
cave?
cavern, and that sometimes I was impelled to steal away and sit by a
fire in a storm
cave?
cavern, and that sometimes I was impelled to steal away and sit by a
fire in a storm
cave?
cavern, and that sometimes I was impelled to steal away and sit by a
fire in a storm
cave?
cave?
It was the natural yearning of that portion, any portion of
my
our
my
our
my
our
my
our
my
our
our
most primitive ancestor which still survived in
me
us,
me
us,
me
us,
me
us,
me
us,
us.
And this invention has been patented in sun and rain to this
day—roofs and palm leaves with flickering sunbeams interstreaming, and
dates dropping on the table, of bark boughs, of grass and
stubble, of linen woven and stretched, of
grass and straw
of stones & tiles, of boards & shingles, of stones & tiles
—and hence it may be, this fair-complexioned Caucasian race so many
ages in advance of its sun-burnt brothers.
From the cave we have advanced to roofs of palm leaves, of bark and
boughs, of linen woven and stretched, of grass and straw, of boards and
shingles, of stones and tiles.
From the cave we have advanced to roofs of palm leaves, of bark and
boughs, of linen woven and stretched, of grass and straw, of boards and
shingles, of stones and tiles.
From the cave we have advanced to roofs of palm leaves, of bark and
boughs, of linen woven and stretched, of grass and straw, of boards and
shingles, of stones and tiles.
From the cave we have advanced to roofs of palm leaves, of bark and
boughs, of linen woven and stretched, of grass and straw, of boards and
shingles, of stones and tiles.
From the cave we have advanced to roofs of palm leaves, of bark and
boughs, of linen woven and stretched, of grass and straw, of boards and
shingles, of stones and tiles.
r
Revision note: B1:
By the way,
At last,
At last,
At last,
At last,
At last,
At last,
we know not what it is to live in the open air,
r
Revision note: B1:
and
and
and
and
and
and
our lives are domestic
in more senses
to a greater extent
to a greater extent
in more senses
in more senses
in more senses
in more senses
in more senses
in more senses
than we think. From the hearth to the field is a great distance.
r
Revision note: B1:
I would have a man
A poet would speak always as if there were no obstruction, not
even a mote or a shadow between him and the celestial bodies.
Generally The voices of man sound hoarse and cavernous,
tinkling as from out the recesses of caves, enough to frighten bats and
toads—not like bells,—not like the music of birds—not a natural melody. Of
all the inhabitants of Concord I know not one that dwells in nature. If one
were to inhabit her forever, he would never meet a man. This country is not
settled nor discovered yet.
Yet the poet will speak
it would be well if we were to live &
think always as if there were no obstruction, not even a mote
or a shadow between him
us and the celestial bodies. Generally
the voices of men sound hoarse and cavernous, tinkling as from out the
recesses of caves, enough to frighten bats and toads—not like bells—not
like the music of birds—not a natural melody. Of all the inhabitants of
Concord I know not one that dwells in nature. If one were to inhabit her
forever, he would never meet a man. This country is not settled nor
discovered yet
the poet does not speak as from under a
roof.
Yet it would be well perhaps if we
were to live and think always as if there were no
spend more of our days & nights without
any obstructions between us and the celestial bodies. The poet
does
should not speak as
so much from under a roof nor does
the saint dwell there so long. Birds do not sing in
caves, nor do doves cherish their innocence in dovecots.
It would be well perhaps if we were to spend more of our days and nights
without any obstruction between us and the celestial bodies, if the poet did
not speak so much from under a roof, or the saint dwell there so long. Birds
do not sing in caves, nor do doves cherish their innocence in
dovecots.
It would be well perhaps if we were to spend more of our days and nights
without any obstruction between us and the celestial bodies, if the poet did
not speak so much from under a roof, or the saint dwell there so long. Birds
do not sing in caves, nor do doves cherish their innocence in
dovecots.
It would be well perhaps if we were to spend more of our days and nights
without any obstruction between us and the celestial bodies, if the poet did
not speak so much from under a roof, or the saint dwell there so long. Birds
do not sing in caves, nor do doves cherish their innocence in
dovecots.
It would be well perhaps if we were to spend more of our days and nights
without any obstruction between us and the celestial bodies, if the poet did
not speak so much from under a roof, or the saint dwell there so long. Birds
do not sing in caves, nor do doves cherish their innocence in
dovecots.
It would be well perhaps if we were to spend more of our days and nights
without any obstruction between us and the celestial bodies, if the poet did
not speak so much from under a roof, or the saint dwell there so long. Birds
do not sing in caves, nor do doves cherish their innocence in
dovecots.
As for a Shelter if any one
As for a shelter, if
any one
However, if then any one
However, if one
However, if one
However, if one
However, if one
However, if one
designs to construct a dwelling house, it behooves him to exercise a little
Yankee
shrewdness and care,
shrewdness and care,
shrewdness and care,
shrewdness,
shrewdness,
shrewdness,
shrewdness,
shrewdness,
lest after all he find himself in a workhouse, a labyrinth
without a clew,
without a clew,
without a clew,
without a clew,
without a clew,
without a clew,
without a clew,
without a clew,
a museum, an almshouse, a prison, or a splendid mausoleum instead.
Consider
first
first
first
first
first
how slight a shelter
it is
is
is
is
is
absolutely
necessarythat we should have.
necessary.
necessary.
necessary.
necessary.
I have seen Penobscot Indians,
in this
town, living in tents of thin cotton cloth, while the snow
was
nearly
nearly
nearly
nearly
nearly
a foot deep around them, and I thought that they would be glad to have it
deeper to keep out the wind.
In those
former days,
Formerly,
Formerly,
Formerly,
Formerly,
when how to get my living honestly, with freedom left for my proper
pursuits, was a question which vexed me even more than it does now,
(for unfortunately I am become somewhat callused),
for unfortunately I am become somewhat callous,
for unfortunately I am become somewhat callous,
for unfortunately I am become somewhat callous,
for unfortunately I am become somewhat callous,
I used to see a large box
by the railroad, six feet long by
three wide, in which the laborers locked up their tools at night; and it suggested
to me that every man who was hard pushed might
him
get
get
get
get
such a one for a dollar, and, having bored a few auger holes in it, to
admit the air at least, get into it
at night and when it rained and at night,
when it rained and at night,
when it rained and at night,
when it rained and at night,
when it rained and at night,
and hook down the lid, and so have freedom in his
life
love and
love, and in
love, and in
love, and in
love, and in
his soul be free.
This did not
seem
appear
appear
appear
appear
appear
the worst, nor by any means a despicable alternative. You could sit up as
late as you pleased, and, whenever you got up, go abroad without
having any creditor
any landlord or house-lord
any landlord or house-lord
any landlord or house-lord
any landlord or house-lord
any landlord or house-lord
dogging you for rent. Many a man is harassed to death to pay the rent of a
larger and more luxurious box who would not have frozen to death in such a box as
this.
I am far from Jesting.
I am far from jesting.
I am far from jesting.
I am far from jesting.
I am far from jesting.
Economy is a subject
that
which
which
which
which
admits of being treated with levity, but it cannot so be disposed of.
A
tolerable
tolerable
tolerable
comfortable
comfortable
comfortable
comfortable
comfortable
house for a rude and hardy race, that lived
much
much
much
mostly
mostly
mostly
mostly
mostly
mostly
out of doors, was once made here almost entirely of such materials as
Nature furnished ready to their hands.
According to the testimony of the first settlers of New
England, an Indian wigwam was as comfortable in winter as an English house
with all its wainscoting. It was sometimes 40 feet long, and
carpeted and lined within & covered without
According to the testimony of the first settlers of New
England, an Indian wigwam was as comfortable in winter as an English house
with all its wainscoting. It was sometimes forty feet long, carpeted and
lined within and covered without
Gookin, who was superintendent of the Indians subject to the
Massachusetts Colony, writing in 1674, says, “The best of their houses are
covered very neatly, tight and warm, with barks of trees, slipped from their
bodies at such
those seasons when the sap is up, and made
into great flakes, with pressure of weighty timber, when they are
green; and so, becoming dry, they will retain a form suitable for
the use they prepare them for. The meaner sort of
wigwams are covered with mats which
they make of a kind of bulrush, which
and are also indifferently tight and warm, but
not so good as the former.”—“Some I have seen, of sixty or a
hundred feet long and thirty feet broad.”—“I have often lodged in their
wigwams, and found them as warm as the best English houses.” He adds that They were commonly carpeted and
lined within
Gookin, who was superintendent of the Indians subject to the
Massachusetts Colony, writing in 1674, says, “The best of their houses are
covered very neatly, tight and warm, with barks of trees, slipped from their
bodies at those seasons when the sap is up, and made into great flakes, with
pressure of weighty timber, when they are green. . . . The meaner sort are
covered with mats which they make of a kind of bulrush, and are also
indifferently tight and warm, but not so good as the former. . . . Some I
have seen, sixty or a hundred feet long and thirty feet broad. . . . I have
often lodged in their wigwams, and found them as warm as the best English
houses.” He adds, that they were commonly carpeted and lined within
Gookin, who was superintendent of the Indians subject to the
Massachusetts Colony, writing in 1674, says, “The best of their houses are
covered very neatly, tight and warm, with barks of trees, slipped from their
bodies at those seasons when the sap is up, and made into great flakes, with
pressure of weighty timber, when they are green. . . . The meaner sort are
covered with mats which they make of a kind of bulrush, and are also
indifferently tight and warm, but not so good as the former. . . . Some I
have seen, sixty or a hundred feet long and thirty feet broad. . . . I have
often lodged in their wigwams, and found them as warm as the best English
houses.” He adds, that they were commonly carpeted and lined within
Gookin, who was superintendent of the Indians subject to the
Massachusetts Colony, writing in 1674, says, “The best of their houses are
covered very neatly, tight and warm, with barks of trees, slipped from their
bodies at those seasons when the sap is up, and made into great flakes, with
pressure of weighty timber, when they are green. . . . The meaner sort are
covered with mats which they make of a kind of bulrush, and are also
indifferently tight and warm, but not so good as the former. . . . Some I
have seen, sixty or a hundred feet long and thirty feet broad. . . . I have
often lodged in their wigwams, and found them as warm as the best English
houses.” He adds, that they were commonly carpeted and lined within
Gookin, who was superintendent of the Indians subject to the
Massachusetts Colony, writing in 1674, says, “The best of their houses are
covered very neatly, tight and warm, with barks of trees, slipped from their
bodies at those seasons when the sap is up, and made into great flakes, with
pressure of weighty timber, when they are green. . . . The meaner sort are
covered with mats which they make of a kind of bulrush, and are also
indifferently tight and warm, but not so good as the former. . . . Some I
have seen, sixty or a hundred feet long and thirty feet broad. . . . I have
often lodged in their wigwams, and found them as warm as the best English
houses.” He adds, that they were commonly carpeted and lined within
Gookin, who was superintendent of the Indians subject to the
Massachusetts Colony, writing in 1674, says, “The best of their houses are
covered very neatly, tight and warm, with barks of trees, slipped from their
bodies at those seasons when the sap is up, and made into great flakes, with
pressure of weighty timber, when they are green. . . . The meaner sort are
covered with mats which they make of a kind of bulrush, and are also
indifferently tight and warm, but not so good as the former. . . . Some I
have seen, sixty or a hundred feet long and thirty feet broad. . . . I have
often lodged in their wigwams, and found them as warm as the best English
houses.” He adds, that they were commonly carpeted and lined within
with well-wrought embroidered mats, and
were
were
were
were
were
were
were
furnished with various utensils.
They
This was undoubtedly a better wigwam than usual. They
The Indians
The Indians
The Indians
The Indians
The Indians
The Indians
The Indians
had advanced so far as to regulate the effect of the wind by a mat
suspended over the hole
in the roof which was
in the roof which was
&
in the roof and
in the roof and
in the roof and
in the roof and
in the roof and
in the roof and
moved by a string. Such a lodge was in the first instance constructed in a
day or two
at most,
at most,
at most,
at most,
at most,
at most,
at most,
and taken down and put up in a few hours; and every family owned one,
or its apartment in one.
or its apartment in one.
or its apartment in one.
or its apartment in one.
or its apartment in one.
or its apartment in one.
or its apartment in one.
In the savage state every
man
man
master of a family
family
family
family
family
family
family
owns a shelter as good as the best, and sufficient for
his ruder
his ruder
its
coarser
its coarser
its coarser
its coarser
its coarser
its coarser
its coarser
and simpler wants; but
I think that I speak within bounds when I say
that,
I think that I speak within bounds when I say that,
I think that I speak within bounds when I say that,
I think that I speak within bounds when I say that,
I think that I speak within bounds when I say that,
I think that I speak within bounds when I say that,
I think that I speak within bounds when I say that,
though the birds of the air
have their nests, and the foxes
their holes,
and the savages their wigwams,
and the savages their wigwams,
and the savages their wigwams,
and the savages their wigwams,
and the savages their wigwams,
and the savages their wigwams,
and the savages their wigwams,
in modern civilized society not more than one
man in a hundred owns
man in a hundred owns
half the families own
half the families own
half the families own
half the families own
half the families own
half the families own
half the families own
a shelter.
In the large towns and cities, where civilization
especially prevails, the number of those who own a shelter is a very
small fraction of the whole.
It is notorious that in our
the large towns & cities or in those neighborhoods
where the most thorough civilization especially prevails, the
number of those who own a shelter is a very small fraction of the
whole
In the large towns and cities, where civilization especially prevails,
the number of those who own a shelter is a very small fraction of the
whole.
In the large towns and cities, where civilization especially prevails,
the number of those who own a shelter is a very small fraction of the
whole.
In the large towns and cities, where civilization especially prevails,
the number of those who own a shelter is a very small fraction of the
whole.
In the large towns and cities, where civilization especially prevails,
the number of those who own a shelter is a very small fraction of the
whole.
In the large towns and cities, where civilization especially prevails,
the number of those who own a shelter is a very small fraction of the
whole.
In the large towns and cities, where civilization especially prevails,
the number of those who own a shelter is a very small fraction of the
whole.
The
99
ninety-nine
rest
rest
rest
rest
rest
rest
rest
pay an annual tax for this outside garment of all,
become
become
become
become
become
become
become
become
indispensable summer and winter, which would buy a village of Indian
wigwams, but now
contributes
contributes
helps
helps
helps
helps
helps
helps
helps
to keep them poor as long as they live.
I do not mean to insist here on the disadvantage of hiring compared with
owning, but it is evident that the savage owns his shelter because it costs so
little, while the civilized man hires his commonly because he cannot afford to own
it; nor can he, in the long run, any better afford to hire.
But, answers one, by
simply
simply
merely
merely
merely
merely
merely
merely
merely
paying this tax the
poorest
poorest
poor civilized
poor civilized
poor civilized
poor civilized
poor civilized
poor civilized
poor civilized
man secures an abode which is a palace compared with the
Indian’s.
Indian’s
savage’s.
savage’s.
savage’s.
savage’s.
savage’s.
savage’s.
savage’s.
An annual rent of from
20
twenty
twenty-five
twenty-five
twenty-five
twenty-five
twenty-five
twenty-five
twenty-five
to a hundred dollars,
(these are the country rates)
these are the country rates,
these are the country rates,
these are the country rates,
these are the country rates,
these are the country rates,
these are the country rates,
entitles him to
all the benefit
all the benefit
the benefit
the benefit
the benefit
the benefit
the benefit
the benefit
of the improvements of centuries,
spacious apartments, clean paint and
paper,
spacious apartments, clean paint and paper,
spacious apartments, clean paint and paper,
spacious apartments, clean paint and paper,
spacious apartments, clean paint and paper,
spacious apartments, clean paint and paper,
spacious apartments, clean paint and paper,
Rumford fireplace,
back
plastering,
Venetian blinds, copper pump, spring lock, a
etc.
etc.
a commodious cellar and many other things.
a commodious cellar, and many other things.
a commodious cellar, and many other things.
a commodious cellar, and many other things.
a commodious cellar, and many other things.
a commodious cellar, and many other things.
a commodious cellar, and many other things.
But how happens it that he who is said to enjoy
these things is so commonly a poor
civilized man, while the savage, who has them not, is rich as a
savage?
But how happens it that he who is said to enjoy these things is so
commonly a poor civilized man, while the
savage, who has them not, is rich as a savage?
But how happens it that he who is said to enjoy these things is so
commonly a poor civilized man, while the
savage, who has them not, is rich as a savage?
But how happens it that he who is said to enjoy these things is so
commonly a poor civilized man, while the
savage, who has them not, is rich as a savage?
But how happens it that he who is said to enjoy these things is so
commonly a poor civilized man, while the
savage, who has them not, is rich as a savage?
But how happens it that he who is said to enjoy these things is so
commonly a poor civilized man, while the
savage, who has them not, is rich as a savage?
But how happens it that he who is said to enjoy these things is so
commonly a poor civilized man, while the
savage, who has them not, is rich as a savage?
If
civilization claims to have made a real advance in the
welfare of man, and I think that she has, though only the wise improve
their advantages, she must show that she
civilization claims to have made
it is asserted that civilization is a real
advance in the welfare
condition of man, and I think that she
has
it is, though only the wise improve their
advantages, she must show that she
it must be shown that it
it is asserted that civilization is a real advance in the condition of
man,—and I think that it is, though only the wise improve their
advantages,—it must be shown that it
it is asserted that civilization is a real advance in the condition of
man,—and I think that it is, though only the wise improve their
advantages,—it must be shown that it
it is asserted that civilization is a real advance in the condition of
man,—and I think that it is, though only the wise improve their
advantages,—it must be shown that it
it is asserted that civilization is a real advance in the condition of
man,—and I think that it is, though only the wise improve their
advantages,—it must be shown that it
it is asserted that civilization is a real advance in the condition of
man,—and I think that it is, though only the wise improve their
advantages,—it must be shown that it
it is asserted that civilization is a real advance in the condition of
man,—and I think that it is, though only the wise improve their
advantages,—it must be shown that it
has produced better dwellings without making them more costly; and the cost
of a
thing it will be remembered
thingit will
must be remembered
thing
thing
thing
thing
thing
thing
is the amount of
life it requires
life it requires
what I will call life which is required
what I will call life which is required
what I will call life which is required
what I will call life which is required
what I will call life which is required
what I will call life which is required
what I will call life which is required
to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long
run. Is it not possible to invent a
house still more convenient and luxurious, which yet all will allow that
man cannot afford to pay for? I think that we should not always study to
obtain more but sometimes to be content with less.
run. Is it not possible to invent a
house still more convenient and luxurious, which yet all will allow that
man cannot afford to pay for? I think that we should not always study to
obtain more but sometimes to be content with less.
run.
run.
run.
run.
run.
run.
An average house
in this neighborhoodin the country
in this neighborhood
in this neighborhood
in this neighborhood
in this neighborhood
in this neighborhood
in this neighborhood
in this neighborhood
in this neighborhood
costs perhaps
1000
1000
800
eight hundred
eight hundred
eight hundred
eight hundred
eight hundred
eight hundred
dollars, and to lay up this sum will
require
require
take
take
take
take
take
take
take
from ten to fifteen years of the laborer’s life, even if he is not
encumbered with a family;—
for I estimate the just pecuniary value of every man’s labor at one
dollar a day, for if some receive more, others receive less
for I estimate the just
for I have estimated the just
estimating the pecuniary value of every man’s
labor at one dollar a day, for if some receive more, others receive
less;
estimating the pecuniary value of every man’s labor at one dollar a day,
for if some receive more, others receive less;
estimating the pecuniary value of every man’s labor at one dollar a day,
for if some receive more, others receive less;
estimating the pecuniary value of every man’s labor at one dollar a day,
for if some receive more, others receive less;
estimating the pecuniary value of every man’s labor at one dollar a day,
for if some receive more, others receive less;
estimating the pecuniary value of every man’s labor at one dollar a day,
for if some receive more, others receive less;
estimating the pecuniary value of every man’s labor at one dollar a day,
for if some receive more, others receive less;
—so that he must have spent more than half his life commonly before
his
wigwam will be earned. If we suppose him to pay a
rent instead, this is but a doubtful choice of evils. Would the savage have been
wise to exchange his wigwam for a palace on these terms?
It
will be perceived that I set down
will be perceived
may be guessed that I set down
refer
will be perceived
may be guessed that I set down
refer
may be guessed that I refer
set down
may be guessed that I reduce almost
may be guessed that I reduce almost
may be guessed that I reduce almost
may be guessed that I reduce almost
the whole advantage of holding this superfluous
value
and clumsy property
and clumsy
unwieldy property
and clumsy
unwieldy property
and unwieldy property
property
property
property
property
as a fund in store against the future,
as
as
so
so
so
so
so
so
so
far as the individual is concerned,
mainly
mainly
mainly
mainly
mainly
to the
score of funeral expenses merely.
score of funeral expenses merely.
score of funeral expenses merely.
score of funeral expenses merely.
defraying of funeral expenses.
defraying of funeral expenses.
defraying of funeral expenses.
defraying of funeral expenses.
But perhaps a man is not required to bury
himself. for even sickness is a beginning to die, &
the
therefore every doctor’s bill is a funeral expense. But perhaps a
man is not required to bury himself
But perhaps a man is not required to bury
himself. for even sickness is a beginning to die, &
the
therefore every doctor’s bill is a funeral expense. But perhaps a
man is not required to bury himself
for even sickness is a beginning to die, and therefore every doctor’s
bill is a funeral expense But perhaps a man is not required to bury
himself.
But perhaps a man is not required to bury himself.
But perhaps a man is not required to bury himself.
But perhaps a man is not required to bury himself.
But perhaps a man is not required to bury himself.
However
Nevertheless
Nevertheless
Nevertheless
Nevertheless
this points to an important distinction between the civilized man and the
savage; and, no doubt, they have designs on us for our benefit, in making the life
of a civilized people an
institu
tion
, in which the
life of the individual is to a great extent absorbed, in order to preserve and
perfect that of the race. But I wish to show at what a sacrifice this advantage is
at present obtained, and to suggest that we may possibly so live as to secure all
the advantage without suffering any of the disadvantage. What mean ye by saying
that the poor ye have always with you, or
that the poor ye have always with you, or
that the poor ye have always with you, or
that the poor ye have always with you, or
that the poor ye have always with you, or
that the fathers have eaten sour grapes,
and the children’s teeth are
set on edge?
“As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use
this proverb in Israel.
“Behold all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also
the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth it shall die.”
When I consider my neighbors, the farmers of Concord, who
are at least as well off as the other classes, I find that for the most part they
have been toiling
for 10, 20, or 30
20, 30, or 40
for twenty—thirty—or forty
for twenty—thirty—or forty
for twenty, thirty, or forty
twenty, thirty, or forty
twenty, thirty, or forty
twenty, thirty, or forty
twenty, thirty, or forty
years,
to pay for their farms,
to pay for their farms that they may become the real owners of
their farms, which commonly they have inherited with encumbrances, or
else bought by means of their credit
with hired money,
that they may become the real owners of their farms, which commonly they
have inherited with encumbrances, or else bought with hired money,
that they may become the real owners of their farms, which commonly they
have inherited with encumbrances, or else bought with hired money,
that they may become the real owners of their farms, which commonly they
have inherited with encumbrances, or else bought with hired money,
that they may become the real owners of their farms, which commonly they
have inherited with encumbrances, or else bought with hired money,
that they may become the real owners of their farms, which commonly they
have inherited with encumbrances, or else bought with hired money,
that they may become the real owners of their farms, which commonly they
have inherited with encumbrances, or else bought with hired money,
—and we may
set down one half
at least one third
set down
regard at least one third
set down
regard at least one third
regard at least one third
regard one third
regard one third
regard one third
regard one third
of that toil
to
to
as
as
as
as
as
as
as
the cost of their houses,—
and
and but
and but
and but
but
but
but
but
commonly they have not paid for them yet.
It is true,
that the
the
the
the
the
the
the
encumbrances sometimes outweigh the value of the farm, so that the farm
itself becomes one great encumbrance, and still
men are
a man is
a man is
a man is
a man is
a man is
a man is
found to inherit it, being well acquainted with it, as he says. On applying
to the assessors, I
r
Revision note: D1:
have been
am astonished to find
am astonished to find
surprised to learn
r
Revision note: D1:
have been
am astonished to find
am astonished to find
surprised to learn
r
Revision note: D1:
have been
am astonished to find
am astonished to find
surprised to learn
am surprised to learn
am surprised to learn
am surprised to learn
am surprised to learn
that they cannot at once name
r
Revision note: D1: half a dozen
half a dozen
r
Revision note: D1: half a dozen
half a dozen
r
Revision note: D1: half a dozen
half a dozen
a dozen
a dozen
a dozen
a dozen
in the town who own their farms free and clear. If you would know the
history of these homesteads, inquire at the bank where they are mortgaged. The man
who has
bought his farm outright
actually paid for his farm
actually paid for his farm
actually paid for his farm
actually paid for his farm
actually paid for his farm
actually paid for his farm
with labor on it is so rare that every neighbor can point to him. I doubt
if there are three such men in Concord. What has been said of the merchants, that
a very large majority, even
ninety-nine in a hundred,
ninety-nine in a hundred,
ninety-nine in a hundred,
ninety-nine in a hundred,
r
Revision note: D1: ninety-nine in a hundred, though that appears to me
too many
ninety-nine in a hundred, though that appears to me
too many
ninety-seven in a hundred,
ninety-seven in a hundred,
are sure to fail, is equally true of the farmers.
With regard to the
merchants,
some one
however one of them
however, one of them
says pertinently that a great part of their failures are not genuine
pecuniary failures, but
merely
xxxxx or what I should call characteristical failures
i. e.
merely
failures to fulfil their engagements, because it is inconvenient; that is,
it is the moral character that breaks down.
But
But
this puts an infinitely worse face on the matter, and suggests,
besides,
beside,
that
perhaps
probably
probably
not even
that hundredth one succeeds in morally—i. e. with a
sound conscience saving his soul but is
the other three succeed in saving their souls, but are
perchance bankrupt in a worse sense than they who fail honestly.
Bankruptcy and repudiation are the spring-boards from which
r
Revision note: D1:
much of
much of
much of
much of
much of
our civilization vaults
r
Revision note: D1:
and turns its harmless somersets
and turns its somersets,
and turns its somersets,
and turns its somersets,
and turns its somersets,
but the savage stands on the unelastic plank of famine. Yet the Middlesex
Cattle Show
goes off here with
éclat
annually, as if all the joints of the agricultural machine were suent.
they are
they are
The farmer is
The farmer is
The farmer is
The farmer is
The farmer is
The farmer is
endeavoring to solve the problem of a livelihood by a formula more complicated
than the problem itself. To get his shoestrings
the farmer
the farmer
he
he
he
he
he
he
speculates in herds of cattle. With
exquisite
exquisite
consummate
consummate
consummate
consummate
consummate
consummate
consummate
skill he has set his
traps with hair springs
trap with a hair spring
trap with a hair spring
trap with a hair spring
trap with a hair spring
trap with a hair spring
trap with a hair spring
trap with a hair spring
trap with a hair spring
to catch comfort and independence, and then, as he turned away, got his own
leg into
them
it.
it.
it.
it.
it.
it.
it.
it.
This is the reason he is poor; and for a similar reason we are all poor in
respect to a thousand savage comforts, though surrounded by luxuries. As
the poet has it,
the poet has it
says,
the poet has it
says,
r
Revision note: D1: the poet says,
the poet says
Chapman sings,
Chapman sings,
Chapman sings,
Chapman sings,
Chapman sings,
—
“The false society of men—
All heavenly comforts rarefies to air.”
And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be
the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got
him.
And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the
poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him.
r
Revision note: A1: I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. “Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients, the son of Nox (or night). He was
continually employed in satirizing the gods, and whatever they did was freely
turned to ridicule. He censured the house which Minerva had made, because the
goddess
I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients. He was Jupiter’s jester or fool, and many
a time he set the gods in a roar. “He was continually employed in satirizing
the gods, and whatever they did was freely turned to ridicule.” Neptune—Minerva
and Vulcan had a trial of skill. The first made a Bull;—the second a House; the
third a Man. “Momus found fault with them all. He disliked the Bull because his
horns were not placed before his eyes that he might give a surer blow.” “He
censured the House which Minerva had made because she
r
Revision note: A1: I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. “Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients, the son of Nox (or night). He was
continually employed in satirizing the gods, and whatever they did was freely
turned to ridicule. He censured the house which Minerva had made, because the
goddess
I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients. He was Jupiter’s jester or fool, and many
a time he set the gods in a roar. “He was continually employed in satirizing
the gods, and whatever they did was freely turned to ridicule.” Neptune—Minerva
and Vulcan had a trial of skill. The first made a Bull;—the second a House; the
third a Man. “Momus found fault with them all. He disliked the Bull because his
horns were not placed before his eyes that he might give a surer blow.” “He
censured the House which Minerva had made because she
r
Revision note: A1: I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. “Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients, the son of Nox (or night). He was
continually employed in satirizing the gods, and whatever they did was freely
turned to ridicule. He censured the house which Minerva had made, because the
goddess
I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients. He was Jupiter’s jester or fool, and many
a time he set the gods in a roar. “He was continually employed in satirizing
the gods, and whatever they did was freely turned to ridicule.” Neptune—Minerva
and Vulcan had a trial of skill. The first made a Bull;—the second a House; the
third a Man. “Momus found fault with them all. He disliked the Bull because his
horns were not placed before his eyes that he might give a surer blow.” “He
censured the House which Minerva had made because she
r
Revision note: A1: I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. “Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients, the son of Nox (or night). He was
continually employed in satirizing the gods, and whatever they did was freely
turned to ridicule. He censured the house which Minerva had made, because the
goddess
I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients. He was Jupiter’s jester or fool, and many
a time he set the gods in a roar. “He was continually employed in satirizing
the gods, and whatever they did was freely turned to ridicule.” Neptune—Minerva
and Vulcan had a trial of skill. The first made a Bull;—the second a House; the
third a Man. “Momus found fault with them all. He disliked the Bull because his
horns were not placed before his eyes that he might give a surer blow.” “He
censured the House which Minerva had made because she
r
Revision note: A1: I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. “Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients, the son of Nox (or night). He was
continually employed in satirizing the gods, and whatever they did was freely
turned to ridicule. He censured the house which Minerva had made, because the
goddess
I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients. He was Jupiter’s jester or fool, and many
a time he set the gods in a roar. “He was continually employed in satirizing
the gods, and whatever they did was freely turned to ridicule.” Neptune—Minerva
and Vulcan had a trial of skill. The first made a Bull;—the second a House; the
third a Man. “Momus found fault with them all. He disliked the Bull because his
horns were not placed before his eyes that he might give a surer blow.” “He
censured the House which Minerva had made because she
r
Revision note: A1: I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. “Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients, the son of Nox (or night). He was
continually employed in satirizing the gods, and whatever they did was freely
turned to ridicule. He censured the house which Minerva had made, because the
goddess
I have often been struck by that fable of Momus. Momus was the
god of pleasantry among the ancients. He was Jupiter’s jester or fool, and many
a time he set the gods in a roar. “He was continually employed in satirizing
the gods, and whatever they did was freely turned to ridicule.” Neptune—Minerva
and Vulcan had a trial of skill. The first made a Bull;—the second a House; the
third a Man. “Momus found fault with them all. He disliked the Bull because his
horns were not placed before his eyes that he might give a surer blow.” “He
censured the House which Minerva had made because she
As I understand it, that was a valid objection which Momus
urged
urged by Momus against the house which Minerva made—that she
As I understand it, that was a valid objection urged by Momus against the house which Minerva made, that she
“had not made it mov
able, by which means a bad neighborhood might be avoided;”
r
Revision note: A1: “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the sneering
god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as she
retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in the
goddess of beauty. These reflections upon the gods were the cause that Momus
was driven from heaven.” What think you would Momus say if he were living in
our day? And I am not sure but he is.
“With regard to Vulcan’s Man, he said he ought to have made a
window in his breast.” “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the
sneering god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as
she retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in
the goddess of beauty. These reflections were the cause that Momus was driven
from heaven.” What, think you would Momus say if he were living in our day? And
I am not sure but what he is.
r
Revision note: A1: “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the sneering
god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as she
retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in the
goddess of beauty. These reflections upon the gods were the cause that Momus
was driven from heaven.” What think you would Momus say if he were living in
our day? And I am not sure but he is.
“With regard to Vulcan’s Man, he said he ought to have made a
window in his breast.” “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the
sneering god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as
she retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in
the goddess of beauty. These reflections were the cause that Momus was driven
from heaven.” What, think you would Momus say if he were living in our day? And
I am not sure but what he is.
r
Revision note: A1: “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the sneering
god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as she
retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in the
goddess of beauty. These reflections upon the gods were the cause that Momus
was driven from heaven.” What think you would Momus say if he were living in
our day? And I am not sure but he is.
“With regard to Vulcan’s Man, he said he ought to have made a
window in his breast.” “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the
sneering god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as
she retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in
the goddess of beauty. These reflections were the cause that Momus was driven
from heaven.” What, think you would Momus say if he were living in our day? And
I am not sure but what he is.
r
Revision note: A1: “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the sneering
god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as she
retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in the
goddess of beauty. These reflections upon the gods were the cause that Momus
was driven from heaven.” What think you would Momus say if he were living in
our day? And I am not sure but he is.
“With regard to Vulcan’s Man, he said he ought to have made a
window in his breast.” “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the
sneering god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as
she retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in
the goddess of beauty. These reflections were the cause that Momus was driven
from heaven.” What, think you would Momus say if he were living in our day? And
I am not sure but what he is.
r
Revision note: A1: “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the sneering
god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as she
retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in the
goddess of beauty. These reflections upon the gods were the cause that Momus
was driven from heaven.” What think you would Momus say if he were living in
our day? And I am not sure but he is.
“With regard to Vulcan’s Man, he said he ought to have made a
window in his breast.” “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the
sneering god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as
she retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in
the goddess of beauty. These reflections were the cause that Momus was driven
from heaven.” What, think you would Momus say if he were living in our day? And
I am not sure but what he is.
r
Revision note: A1: “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the sneering
god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as she
retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in the
goddess of beauty. These reflections upon the gods were the cause that Momus
was driven from heaven.” What think you would Momus say if he were living in
our day? And I am not sure but he is.
“With regard to Vulcan’s Man, he said he ought to have made a
window in his breast.” “Venus herself was exposed to his satire; and when the
sneering god found no fault in the body of the naked goddess, he observed, as
she retired, that the noise of her feet was too loud, and greatly improper in
the goddess of beauty. These reflections were the cause that Momus was driven
from heaven.” What, think you would Momus say if he were living in our day? And
I am not sure but what he is.
it may still be urged—for our houses are such unwieldy property
that we are often imprisoned rather than housed in them—and the bad
neighborhood to be avoided is oftenest our own scurvy selves—no
need to change our habits.
and it may still be urged, for our houses are such unwieldy property that we
are often imprisoned rather than housed in them; and the bad neighborhood to be
avoided is our own scurvy selves.
I know one or two families, at least, in this town, who, for nearly a
generation, have been wishing to sell their houses in the outskirts and move
into the village, but have not been able to accomplish it, and only death will
set them free.
I know one or two families, at least, in this town, who, for nearly a
generation, have been wishing to sell their houses in the outskirts and move
into the village, but have not been able to accomplish it, and only death will
set them free.
I know one or two families, at least, in this town, who, for nearly a
generation, have been wishing to sell their houses in the outskirts and move
into the village, but have not been able to accomplish it, and only death will
set them free.
I know one or two families, at least, in this town, who, for nearly a
generation, have been wishing to sell their houses in the outskirts and move
into the village, but have not been able to accomplish it, and only death will
set them free.
I know one or two families, at least, in this town, who, for nearly a
generation, have been wishing to sell their houses in the outskirts and move
into the village, but have not been able to accomplish it, and only death will
set them free.
I know one or two families, at least, in this town, who, for nearly a
generation, have been wishing to sell their houses in the outskirts and move
into the village, but have not been able to accomplish it, and only death will
set them free.
I know one or two families, at least, in this town, who, for nearly a
generation, have been wishing to sell their houses in the outskirts and move
into the village, but have not been able to accomplish it, and only death will
set them free.
r
Revision note: D1: But granted
D2: But granted
But granted
Granted
Granted
Granted
Granted
that the
majority
are able
r
Revision note: D1:
D2:
at last
at last
at last
at last
at last
either to own or hire the modern house with all its
improvements—How happens it that he who is said to enjoy
those things is so commonly a poor
civilized man while the savage who has them not is not a savage?
improvements.
improvements.
improvements.
improvements.
But while
But while
While
While
While
While
While
While
civilization has been improving our houses,
she
she
it
it
it
it
it
it
it
has not equally improved the men who
were
were
were
r
Revision note: D1: were
were
are
are
are
are
are
to inhabit them.
She
She
It
It
It
It
It
It
It
has created palaces, but it was not so easy to create noblemen and kings.
And
if the civilized man’s pursuits are no
worthier than the
,
Indian’s,
Indian’s
savage’s,
savage’s
savage’s
savage’s
savage’s
savage’s
savage’s
if he is employed the greater part of his life in
obtaining gross necessaries and comforts merely, why should he have a better
dwelling than the
former
Is not the style good enough for its inhabitants?
I do not see how I should be any better off than at
present, if I had the most splendid house conceivable. That is not what I
need. Is not open nature already a better house than I am a
tenant?
former
Is not the style good enough for its inhabitants?
I do not see how I should be any better off than at
present, if I had the most splendid house conceivable. That is not what I
need. Is not open nature already a better house than I am a
tenant?
former?
former?
former?
former?
former?
former?
But how does the poor minority fare?
But how do the poor minority fare?
But how do the poor minority fare?
But how do the poor minority fare?
But how do the poor minority fare?
It will perhaps be found that
It will perhaps be found that
perhaps It will perhaps be found
that
Perhaps it will be found, that
Perhaps it will be found, that
Perhaps it will be found, that
Perhaps it will be found, that
just in proportion as some have been placed in outward circumstances above
the
Indian,
Indian
savage,
savage,
savage,
savage,
savage,
savage,
savage,
others have been degraded below
it
him.
him.
him.
him.
him.
him.
him.
him.
The luxury of one class is counterbalanced by the
indigence of another. On the one side is the palace, on the other are the
almshouse and “silent poor”. The luxury of the rich
one class is always counterbalanced
by the indigence of the poor
another. On the one side is the
palace, on the other are the almshouse & the silent poor.
The luxury of one class is counterbalanced by the indigence of another. On
the one side is the palace, on the other are the almshouse and “silent
poor”.
The luxury of one class is counterbalanced by the indigence of another. On
the one side is the palace, on the other are the almshouse and “silent
poor”.
The luxury of one class is counterbalanced by the indigence of another. On
the one side is the palace, on the other are the almshouse and “silent
poor”.
The luxury of one class is counterbalanced by the indigence of another. On
the one side is the palace, on the other are the almshouse and “silent
poor”.
The
millions
millions
myriads
myriads
myriads
myriads
myriads
myriads
who built the pyramids
for
to be
to be
to be
to be
to be
to be
to be
to be
the tombs of the Pharaohs
fed
fed
fed
were fed
were fed
were fed
were fed
were fed
on garlic,
and
perhaps were left unburied
perhaps were left unburied
it may be were not decently buried
it may be were not decently buried
it may be were not decently buried
it may be were not decently buried
it may be were not decently buried
it may be were not decently buried
it may be were not decently buried
themselves. The mason who finishes the cornice of the palace returns at
night perchance to a hut not so good as a wigwam.
It is a mistake to suppose that, in a country where the usual evidences of
civilization —railroads—steamboats—printing
presses—churches & the like
civilization
civilization
civilization
civilization
exist, the condition of a very large body of the inhabitants may not be as
degraded as that of savages.
I refer to the degraded poor, not now to the degraded rich.
I refer to the degraded poor, not now to the degraded rich.
I refer to the degraded poor, not now to the degraded rich.
I refer to the degraded poor, not now to the degraded rich.
To know this I should not need to look farther than to the shanties
which every where
line
border
border
border
border
our railroads, that last improvement in civilization; where I see in my
daily walks human beings living in sties, and all winter with an open door, for
the sake of light, without any visible, often imaginable, wood pile, and the forms
of both old and young are permanently contracted by the long habit of shrinking
from
the cold & misery—their faces
pinched by want—and the development of all
their limbs & faculties undeveloped
checked. There is not greater squalidness
in the world.
cold and misery, and the development of all their limbs and faculties is
checked.
cold and misery, and the development of all their limbs and faculties is
checked.
cold and misery, and the development of all their limbs and faculties is
checked.
cold and misery, and the development of all their limbs and faculties is
checked.
It certainly is fair to look at that class by whose labor the works which
distinguish this generation are accomplished. Such too,
is the condition to a greater or less extent is the condition
to a greater or less extent, is the condition
to a greater or less extent, is the condition
to a greater or less extent, is the condition
to a greater or less extent, is the condition
of the operatives of every denomination in England,
which is the great workhouse of the world. Or I
could refer you to Ireland, which is marked as one of the white or enlightened
spots
on the map. Contrast
the physical condition of the Irish
with that of the North American
Indian, or the South Sea Islander, or any other savage race before it was degraded
by contact with
civilized men
the civilized man.
the civilized man.
the civilized man.
the civilized man.
the civilized man.
Yet I have no doubt that
nation’s
people’s
that people’s
that people’s
that people’s
that people’s
rulers are as wise as the average of civilized rulers. Their condition only
proves what squalidness may consist with civilization. I hardly need
mention now
refer now to
refer now to
refer now to
refer now to
refer now to
the laborers
in our Southern States who produce the
great staples
staple exports
staple exports
staple exports
staple exports
of this country,
and are themselves a staple production of the South.
and are themselves a staple production of the South.
and are themselves a staple production of the South.
and are themselves a staple production of the South.
But to confine myself to those who are said to be in
moderate
circumstances.
When a room is furnished, comfort is not furnished. Most men do
not know what a house is (which is not to be wondered at for I am sure that
there is one which answers to our idea in the country) and they
When a room is furnished comfort is not furnished. Most men do
not know appear never to have considered what
a house is, and
—(which is not to be wondered at, for I am not sure that there is one
which answers to our
my idea in the country) and they
Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and
Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and
Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and
Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and
Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and
Most men appear never to have considered what a house is, and
are actually though needlessly poor all their lives because they think
that
that
that
that
that
that
that
they must have such a one as their neighbors
have.
have.
have.
have.
have.
have.
As if one were to wear any sort of coat
the
which the
which the
which the
which the
which the
which the
which the
tailor might cut out for him, or, gradually leaving off palmleaf hat
or cap of woodchuck skin,
complain of hard times because
he could not afford to buy him a crown!
It is possible to invent a house still more
convenient and luxurious than we have, which yet all would admit that man
could not afford to pay for. Shall we always study to obtain more of
these things, and not sometimes to be content with less?
It is possible to invent a house still more convenient and luxurious than
we have, which yet all would admit that man could not afford to pay for.
Shall we always study to obtain more of these things, and not sometimes to
be content with less?
It is possible to invent a house still more convenient and luxurious than
we have, which yet all would admit that man could not afford to pay for.
Shall we always study to obtain more of these things, and not sometimes to
be content with less?
It is possible to invent a house still more convenient and luxurious than
we have, which yet all would admit that man could not afford to pay for.
Shall we always study to obtain more of these things, and not sometimes to
be content with less?
It is possible to invent a house still more convenient and luxurious than
we have, which yet all would admit that man could not afford to pay for.
Shall we always study to obtain more of these things, and not sometimes to
be content with less?
It is possible to invent a house still more convenient and luxurious than
we have, which yet all would admit that man could not afford to pay for.
Shall we always study to obtain more of these things, and not sometimes to
be content with less?
It is possible to invent a house still more convenient and luxurious than
we have, which yet all would admit that man could not afford to pay for.
Shall we always study to obtain more of these things, and not sometimes to
be content with less?
Shall the respectable citizen thus gravely teach, by precept and example,
the necessity of the young man’s
providing himself with
providing himself with
providing
providing
providing
providing
providing
providing
a certain number of superfluous glow-shoes,
and umbrellas, and empty guest chambers for empty guests,
before he dies?
There is no reason why our furniture should not
There is no reason why our furniture should not
Why should not our furniture
Why should not our furniture
Why should not our furniture
Why should not our furniture
Why should not our furniture
Why should not our furniture
Why should not our furniture
be as simple as the Arab’s or the Indian’s?
When I think of the benefactors of the race, whom we
have apotheosized as messengers from heaven, bearers of divine gifts to
man, I do not see in my mind any retinue at their heels, any car-load of
fashionable furniture.
When I think of the benefactors of the race, whom we have apotheosized as
messengers from heaven, bearers of divine gifts to man, I do not see in my
mind any retinue at their heels, any car-load of fashionable
furniture.
When I think of the benefactors of the race, whom we have apotheosized as
messengers from heaven, bearers of divine gifts to man, I do not see in my
mind any retinue at their heels, any car-load of fashionable
furniture.
When I think of the benefactors of the race, whom we have apotheosized as
messengers from heaven, bearers of divine gifts to man, I do not see in my
mind any retinue at their heels, any car-load of fashionable
furniture.
When I think of the benefactors of the race, whom we have apotheosized as
messengers from heaven, bearers of divine gifts to man, I do not see in my
mind any retinue at their heels, any car-load of fashionable
furniture.
Or what if I were to allow—would it not be a singular allowance?—that our
furniture should be more complex
than the Arab’s,
than the Arab’s,
than the Arab’s,
than the Arab’s,
than the Arab’s,
in proportion as we are morally and intellectually
their
his
his
his
his
his
superiors!
At present our houses are cluttered and defiled with it, and a good
housewife would sweep out the greater part into the dust hole,
or
or
and not
and not
and not
and not
and not
and not
leave her morning’s work undone. Morning work! By the blushes of
Aurora
and the music of Memnon,
consider what
consider what
consider what
consider what
what
what
what
what
should be man’s
morning
work in this world?
I had three pieces of limestone on my desk, but I was terrified to find
that they required to be dusted daily, when the furniture of my mind was all
undusted still, and threw them out the window in disgust. How, then, could I have
a furnished house? I would rather sit in the open air, for no dust
settles
gathers
gathers
gathers
gathers
gathers
on the grass,
unless where man has broken ground.
unless where man has broken ground.
unless where man has broken ground.
unless where man has broken ground.
It is notorious
evident that the luxurious & dissipated
It is the luxurious and dissipated who
It is the luxurious and dissipated who
It is the luxurious and dissipated who
It is the luxurious and dissipated who
set the fashions which the herd so
sedulously
diligently
diligently
diligently
diligently
diligently
follow. The traveller who stops at the best
houses, so called,
is not slow to learn
soon discovers this for the publicans at all the great houses pay him no compliment,
but
soon discovers this, for the publicans
soon discovers this, for the publicans
soon discovers this, for the publicans
soon discovers this, for the publicans
presume him to be a
Sardanapalus,
and if he resigned himself to their tender
mercies he would soon be completely emasculated.
Our public works have but little of the substantial and Roman in their
character. How ill adapted already to a large portion of the passengers who
occupy it is a railroad car. It is designed for the merchant clerks not the
plainly dressed and simple mannered countryman. Instead of aiming (in some
instances at least) at simple beauty convenience and security
I think that in the RR car we are inclined to spend more on luxury
than on safety & convenience, &
I think that in the railroad car we are inclined to spend more on luxury than
on safety and convenience, and
I think that in the railroad car we are inclined to spend more on luxury than
on safety and convenience, and
I think that in the railroad car we are inclined to spend more on luxury than
on safety and convenience, and
I think that in the railroad car we are inclined to spend more on luxury than
on safety and convenience, and
it threatens without attaining these to become no better than a modern drawing
room, with its divans, and ottomans, and sunshades, and a hundred other oriental
things,
which we are taking west with us,
which we are taking west with us,
which we are taking west with us,
which we are taking west with us,
which we are taking west with us,
invented for the ladies of the harem and the
effeminate
effeminate
effeminate
effeminate
effeminate
natives of the Celestial Empire,
which Jonathan
should be
ashamed to know the names of.
And no alternative but this or the black hole of a second class car. Where
is Jonathan’s parlor? Jonathan’s car forsooth with the seat of Jonathan
omitted! To be introduced into a drawing room in which you are compelled to
stand up for want of a seat or to sit on a hair cushion without the
possibility of drawing a long breath owing to the encroachments of a
corpulent neighbor. Why I
I
I
I
I
would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself,
than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
than be crowded on a velvet cushion.
I would rather ride on
on earth
on earth
on earth
on earth
on earth
in an ox cart with a free circulation, than go to heaven in
the fancy car of
the fancy car of
the fancy car of
the fancy car of
the fancy car of
an excursion train
and breathe
the
a
a
a
a
a
malaria
all the
way. To be introduced into a fancy car only to be run off
the track by a fanciful engineer, though you may have no fancy for it. Let
us have something more like ourselves, or make ourselves like something
better, else the fates will have a right to run us off the track.
way.
way.
way.
way.
At first perchance as poets
imagine the thoughtful & wandering man, plucked in
haste the fruits which the boughs extended to him, and found in the sticks
and stones around him his implements ready—to crack the nut and build his
shelter with, and he was still
the very simplicity and nakedness of his life was an advantage since it
left him still but
At first, perchance. as poets imagine, the thoughtful and wandering man
plucked in haste the fruits which the boughs extended to him, and found
in the sticks and stones around him his implements ready—to crack the
nut, and build his shelter with, and the very simplicity and
nakedness of his life
man’s life in the primitive ages had this
advantage at least that they left him still but
The very simplicity and nakedness of man’s life in the
primitive ages had
imply this advantage at least, that they left
him still but
The very simplicity and nakedness of man’s life in the primitive ages
imply this advantage at least, that they left him still but
The very simplicity and nakedness of man’s life in the primitive ages
imply this advantage at least, that they left him still but
The very simplicity and nakedness of man’s life in the primitive ages
imply this advantage at least, that they left him still but
The very simplicity and nakedness of man’s life in the primitive ages
imply this advantage at least, that they left him still but
The very simplicity and nakedness of man’s life in the primitive ages
imply this advantage at least, that they left him still but
a sojourner in nature. When he was refreshed with food and sleep he
contemplated his journey again. He dwelt,
as it were,
as it were,
as it were,
as it were,
as it were,
as it were,
as it were,
as it were,
in a tent in this world, and was either threading the valleys, or crossing
the plains, or climbing the mountain tops. But lo! men have become the tools of
their tools. The man who independently plucked the fruits when he was hungry is
become a farmer;
Now the best works of art even, serve comparatively but to
dissipate the mind, for they themselves represent transitionary and
paroxismal not free & absolute thoughts.
Now the best works of art even, serve comparatively but to
dissipate the mind, for they themselves represent transitionary and
paroxismal not free & absolute thoughts.
and he who stood under a tree for shelter is
become a housekeeper. We now no longer encamp as for a night, but
have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven. We have builded for this
world a family mansion, and for the next a family tomb. The best works of
art symbolize
express a struggle in man to be
free from this state
condition but the
effect of our art is but a paroxismal not a persistent &
sane endeavor
merely to make this low state comfortable & that
higher state to be forgotten.
Now the best works of art even, serve comparatively but to dissipate
the mind, for they themselves represent transitionary and paroxismal, not
free and absolute thoughts
They now no longer encamp as for a night, but they
have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven—They have builded their
tombs above ground as well as below, for life as well as for death, for
this world a family mansion & for the next a family tomb & he who
stood under a tree for shelter is become a housekeeper. There is no such
a thing as housekeeping. The best works of art symbolize a struggle in
man to be free from this state but our works of art so called are at best
but paroxysmal not a persistent & sane endeavor.
and he who stood under a tree for shelter, a housekeeper. We now no longer
camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven. We
have adopted Christianity merely as an improved method of agri-culture. We have built for this world a family mansion,
and for the next a family tomb. The best works of art are the expression of
man’s struggle to free himself from this condition, but the effect of our
art is merely to make this low state comfortable and that higher state to be
forgotten.
and he who stood under a tree for shelter, a housekeeper. We now no longer
camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven. We
have adopted Christianity merely as an improved method of agri-culture. We have built for this world a family mansion,
and for the next a family tomb. The best works of art are the expression of
man’s struggle to free himself from this condition, but the effect of our
art is merely to make this low state comfortable and that higher state to be
forgotten.
and he who stood under a tree for shelter, a housekeeper. We now no longer
camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven. We
have adopted Christianity merely as an improved method of agri-culture. We have built for this world a family mansion,
and for the next a family tomb. The best works of art are the expression of
man’s struggle to free himself from this condition, but the effect of our
art is merely to make this low state comfortable and that higher state to be
forgotten.
and he who stood under a tree for shelter, a housekeeper. We now no longer
camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven. We
have adopted Christianity merely as an improved method of agri-culture. We have built for this world a family mansion,
and for the next a family tomb. The best works of art are the expression of
man’s struggle to free himself from this condition, but the effect of our
art is merely to make this low state comfortable and that higher state to be
forgotten.
There is actually no place in this vil
lage for a work of
art, a statue, for instance,
art, a statue, for instance,
fine art, a statue for instance,
fine art,
fine art,
fine art,
fine art,
fine art,
if any
had
has
had
has
has
had
had
had
had
had
had
come down to us, to stand, for our lives, our houses and streets, furnish
no proper pedestal for it. There is not a nail to hang a picture on, nor a shelf
to receive the bust of a hero
or a saint.
or a saint.
or a saint.
or a saint.
or a saint.
When
we
we
we
I
I
I
I
I
I
consider how our houses are built and paid
for,
foror how they are not paid
for,
foror how they are not paid
for,
for; or how they are not paid for,
for, or not paid for,
for, or not paid for,
for, or not paid for,
for, or not paid for,
and their internal economy managed and sustained,
who does not
who does not
we
we
I
I
I
I
I
I
wonder that the floor does not give way under the visitor while he is
admiring the gewgaws
upon the
mantel,
mantel,
mantel
mantel-piece,
mantel-piece,
mantel-piece,
mantel-piece,
mantel-piece,
mantel-piece,
and let him through into the cellar, to some solid and honest though earthy
foundation.
When introduced to this kind of life I cannot help
perceiving
but perceive that it was
this so-called rich and refined life is a
thing jumped at—and I find that I
I cannot but perceive that this so called rich and refined life is a thing
jumped at, and I
I cannot but perceive that this so called rich and refined life is a thing
jumped at, and I
I cannot but perceive that this so called rich and refined life is a thing
jumped at, and I
I cannot but perceive that this so called rich and refined life is a thing
jumped at, and I
I cannot but perceive that this so called rich and refined life is a thing
jumped at, and I
do not get on in the enjoyment of the
fine
arts which adorn it, my attention being wholly occupied with the jump; for I
remember that the greatest genuine leap, due to human muscles alone, on record, is
that of certain wandering Arabs, who
are said to have
are said to have
are said to have
are said to have
are said to have
cleared twenty-five feet on level ground.
Without factitious support, man is sure to come to earth again beyond
this
that
that
that
that
that
distance. The first question which I am tempted to put to the proprietor of
such great impropriety is, Who
boosts
bolsters
bolsters
bolsters
bolsters
bolsters
bolsters
you? Are you one of the
99
ninety-seven
ninety-seven
ninety-seven
ninety-seven
ninety-seven
who fail?
the hundredth who succeeds?
or of the three who succeed?
or of the three who succeed?
or of the three who succeed?
or of the three who succeed?
or of the three who succeed?
Answer me these questions, and then perhaps I may
look at your bawbles and find them ornamental. The cart before the horse
is neither beautiful nor useful.Answer me these questions &
then perhaps I will
may look at your knickknacks
bawbles & find them beautiful
ornamental. The cart before the horse is
neither beautiful nor useful.
Answer me these questions, and then perhaps I may look at your bawbles and
find them ornamental. The cart before the horse is neither beautiful nor useful.
Answer me these questions, and then perhaps I may look at your bawbles and
find them ornamental. The cart before the horse is neither beautiful nor useful.
Answer me these questions, and then perhaps I may look at your bawbles and
find them ornamental. The cart before the horse is neither beautiful nor useful.
Answer me these questions, and then perhaps I may look at your bawbles and
find them ornamental. The cart before the horse is neither beautiful nor useful.
Answer me these questions, and then perhaps I may look at your bawbles and
find them ornamental. The cart before the horse is neither beautiful nor useful.
Before we can adorn our houses with beautiful objects the walls must be
stripped, and our lives must be stripped, and beautiful housekeeping and beautiful
living be laid for a foundation: now,
what we call taste
what we call taste
what we call
a taste
a taste
a taste
a taste
a taste
a taste
for the beautiful is most cultivated out of doors, where there is no house
and no housekeeper.
Old Johnson,
in his
“Wonder-Working Providence,”
says
speaking of the first settlers in this town says
speaking of the first settlers of this town, with whom he was contemporary,
tells us that
“they burrow themselves in the earth for their first shelter under
a
some
hillside, and, casting the soil aloft upon timber, they make a smoky fire
against the earth, at the highest side.” They did not “provide them houses,” says
he,
“till the earth, by the Lord’s blessing, brought forth bread to feed them,” and the
first year’s crop was so
lean
light
that “they were forced to cut their bread very thin for a long season.”
And the secretary
The secretary
of the Province of New Netherland,
writing
In Dutch,
In Dutch,
in 1650, for the information of those who
wish
wished
wished
to take up land there,
observes
states more particularly,
states more particularly,
that “those in New Netherland, and especially in New England, who have no
means to build farm houses at first according to their wishes, dig a square pit in
the ground, cellar fashion, six or seven feet deep, as long and as broad as they
think proper, case the earth inside with wood all round the wall, and line the wood
with the bark of trees or something else to prevent the caving in of the earth; floor
this cellar with plank, and wainscot it overhead for a ceiling, raise a roof of spars
clear up, and cover the spars with bark or green sods, so that they can live dry and
warm in these houses with their entire families for two, three, and four years, it
being understood that partitions are run through those cellars which are adapted to
the size of the family. The wealthy and principal men in New England, in the
beginning of the colonies, commenced their first dwelling houses in this fashion for
two reasons; firstly, in order not to waste time
building,
in building,
and not to want food the next season; secondly, in order not to discourage
poor laboring people whom they brought over in numbers from Fatherland. In the course
of three or four years, when the country became adapted to agriculture, they built
themselves handsome houses, spending on them several
thousands.”Like prudent men they
some of
our ancestors waited till more pressing wants
were satisfied before they built those durable houses which we
I still see standing here & there
thousands."
In this course which our ancestors took there was a show of prudence at
least, as if their principle were to satisfy the more pressing wants
first.
In this course which our ancestors took there was a show of prudence at
least, as if their principle were to satisfy the more pressing wants
first.
But are the more pressing wants satisfied now?
I confess that when
When
I think of acquiring for myself one of our luxurious dwellings, I
feel that
am deterred, for so to speak
,
am deterred, for, so to speak,
the country is not yet adapted to
human
culture,
and we are still forced to cut our
spiritual
bread far thinner than our forefathers did their wheaten.
Not that all architectural ornament is to be neglected
even in the rudest periods; but let our houses first be lined with beauty,
where they come in contact with our lives, like the tenement of the
shellfish, and not overlaid with it.
Not that all architectural ornament is to be neglected even in the rudest
periods; but let our houses first be lined with beauty, where they come in
contact with our lives, like the tenement of the shellfish, and not overlaid
with it.
But, alas! I have been inside one or two of them, and know what they are
lined with.
Though we are not so degenerate but that we might possibly live in a cave or
a wigwam or wear skins to-day, it
r
Revision note: A1: is certainly
is certainly
is certainly is
certainly is
certainly is
certainly is
certainly is
certainly is
certainly is
better to accept the advantages, though so dearly bought, which the invention
and industry of mankind offer. In such a neighborhood as this, boards and shingles,
lime and bricks, are cheaper and more easily
r
Revision note: A1: come at
come at
come at
obtained
obtained
obtained
obtained
obtained
obtained
obtained
than suitable caves, or whole logs, or bark in sufficient quantities, or even
well-tempered clay or flat stones. I speak
r
Revision note: A1: advisedly
advisedly
understandingly
understandingly
understandingly
understandingly
understandingly
understandingly
understandingly
understandingly
on this subject, for I have
r
Revision note: A1: gone into
gone into
gone into
made myself acquainted with
made myself acquainted with
made myself acquainted with
made myself acquainted with
made myself acquainted with
made myself acquainted with
made myself acquainted with
it both theoretically and practically. With a little more wit we might use
these materials so as to become richer than the richest now are, and make our
civilization a blessing.
r
Revision note: A1:
The civilized man is a more experienced and wiser savage.
The civilized man is a more experienced and wiser savage.
The civilized man is a more experienced and wiser savage.
The civilized man is a more experienced and wiser savage.
The civilized man is a more experienced and wiser savage.
The civilized man is a more experienced and wiser savage.
But to make haste to my own experiment.
Near the end of March, 1845, I borrowed
an axe and went down to the woods
by Walden Pond,
by Walden Pond,
by Walden Pond,
by Walden Pond,
by Walden Pond,
by Walden Pond,
by Walden Pond,
by Walden Pond,
nearest to where I intended to build my
I told you that I should put in the I,
house,
house,
house,
house,
house,
house,
house,
and began to cut down some tall arrowy
white
white
white
white
white
white
pines, still in their youth,
for timber. It is difficult
not to begin with
to begin without
to begin without
to begin without
to begin without
to begin without
to begin without
to begin without
borrowing,
Our very life is borrowed and must be returned with interest to
him who lent it.
Our very life is borrowed and must be returned with interest to
him who lent it.
Our very life is in one sense
borrowed and must be returned with interest to him who lent it.
but perhaps it is the most generous course thus to permit your fellow-men to
have an interest in your enterprise.
but perhaps it is the most generous course thus to permit your fellow-men to
have an interest in your enterprise.
but perhaps it is the most generous course thus to permit your fellow-men to
have an interest in your enterprise.
but perhaps it is the most generous course thus to permit your fellow-men to
have an interest in your enterprise.
but perhaps it is the most generous course thus to permit your fellow-men to
have an interest in your enterprise.
The man of whom I borrowed
The man of whom I borrowed
The man of whom I borrowed
In this case the owner of
The owner of
The owner of
The owner of
The owner of
The owner of
the axe,
as he relaxed his hold on it
as he released his hold on it,
as he released his hold on it,
as he released his hold on it,
as he released his hold on it,
as he released his hold on it,
said that it was the apple of his eye;
but I returned
it sharper than I
found
found
found
received
received
received
received
received
it. It was a pleasant hillside where I worked, covered with pine woods,
through which I looked out on the pond, and
on a small clearing
on a small clearing
on a small open field
a small open field
a small open field
a small open field
a small open field
a small open field
in the
woods then growing up to pines & hickories.
woods then growing up to pines & hickories.
woods where pines & hickories were
springing up.
woods where pines and hickories were springing up.
woods where pines and hickories were springing up.
woods where pines and hickories were springing up.
woods where pines and hickories were springing up.
woods where pines and hickories were springing up.
The ice in the pond was not yet dissolved, though there were some open spaces,
but it
and it
and it
and it
and it
and it
and it
and it
was all dark colored and saturated with water. There were some slight flurries
of snow during the days that I worked there;
though
though
though
but
but for the most part
but for the most part
but for the most part
but for the most part
but for the most part
when I came out
on
on
on
on to
on to
on to
on to
on to
the railroad, on my way home, its yellow sand heap stretched away gleaming in
the hazy atmosphere, and the rails shone in the spring sun, and I heard the
woodpecker & vireo
woodpecker & vireo
woodpecker & vireo
lark and pewee
lark and pewee
lark and pewee
lark and pewee
lark and pewee
and other birds already come to commence another year with us. They were
pleasant spring days, in which the winter of man’s discontent
was thawing as well as the earth, and the life that had lain torpid began to stretch
itself.
I remember that one
One
One
One
One
One
One
One
day, when my axe had come off and I had cut a green hickory for a wedge,
driving it with a
stone and the handle,
stone,
stone,
stone,
stone,
stone,
stone,
stone,
and had placed the whole
it
it
it
the whole
the whole
the whole
the whole
the whole
the whole
to soak in a pond hole in order to swell
it,
it,
it
the wood,
the wood,
the wood,
the wood,
the wood,
the wood,
I saw a striped snake run into the water, and he lay on the bottom, apparently
without inconvenience, as long as I staid there,
which was more than 15 minutes, and I know not how much longer
he remained there.
which was more than 15 minutes, and I know not how much longer
he remained there.
which was more than fifteen minutes, and I know not how
much longer he remained there
a quarter of an hour perhaps because he had not yet
come fairly out of the torpid state.
or more than a quarter of an hour; perhaps because he had not yet fairly come
out of the torpid state.
or more than a quarter of an hour; perhaps because he had not yet fairly come
out of the torpid state.
or more than a quarter of an hour; perhaps because he had not yet fairly come
out of the torpid state.
or more than a quarter of an hour; perhaps because he had not yet fairly come
out of the torpid state.
or more than a quarter of an hour; perhaps because he had not yet fairly come
out of the torpid state.
I thought
it appeared to me
I thought
it appeared to me
I thought
it appeared to me
It appeared to me
It appeared to me
It appeared to me
It appeared to me
It appeared to me
that for a like reason men remain in their present low
condition and are able to live as it were in a
this gross element
atmosphere;
condition and are able to live as it were in a
this gross element
atmosphere;
condition and are able to live as it were in a
this gross element
atmosphere;
and primitive condition;
and primitive condition;
and primitive condition;
and primitive condition;
and primitive condition;
but if they should feel the influence of the spring of springs arousing them,
they would
be compelled to rise to a more ethereal element.
be compelled to rise to a more ethereal element.
be compelled to rise to a more ethereal element.
of necessity rise to a higher and more ethereal life.
of necessity rise to a higher and more ethereal life.
of necessity rise to a higher and more ethereal life.
of necessity rise to a higher and more ethereal life.
of necessity rise to a higher and more ethereal life.
I had previously seen
them
them
them
the snakes
the snakes
the snakes
the snakes
the snakes
the snakes
in frosty mornings in my path with
a portion of
a portion of
a portion of
portions
portions
portions
portions
portions
portions
of their bodies still numb and inflexible, wait
ing for the sun to thaw them.
On the 1st of April it rained and melted the
ice in the pond,
ice,
ice,
ice,
ice,
ice,
ice,
ice,
and in the early part of the day, which was very foggy, I heard a stray goose
groping about over the pond and cackling as if lost,
or
or
or
or
or
like the spirit of the fog.
So I went on for some days cutting and hewing timber,
and also studs and rafters, all with my narrow axe, not having many
communicable or scholar-like thoughts, singing to myself,—
Men say they know many things;
But lo! they have taken wings,—
And a thousand appliances;
Is all that any body knows.
I hewed the main timbers six inches square,
and of sapling pine, most of the studs only on two sides,
most of the studs on two sides only,
most of the studs on two sides only,
most of the studs on two sides only,
most of the studs on two sides only,
most of the studs on two sides only,
most of the studs on two sides only,
most of the studs on two sides only,
and the rafters and floor timbers on one side, leaving the rest of the bark
on, so that they were just as straight and much stronger than sawed ones. Each stick
was carefully mortised
& finished
& finished
and finished
or tenoned
or tenoned
or tenoned
or tenoned
or tenoned
or tenoned
by its stump, for I had borrowed other tools by this time. My days
in the woods
in the woods
in the woods
in the woods
in the woods
in the woods
in the woods
in the woods
were not very long ones;
but
but
but
yet
yet
yet
yet
yet
yet
I usually carried my dinner of bread and butter, and read the newspaper in
which it was wrapped, at noon, sitting amid the green pine boughs
which I had cut off,
which I had cut off,
which I had cut off,
which I had cut off,
which I had cut off,
which I had cut off,
and to my bread was imparted some of their fragrance, for my hands were
covered with a thick coat of pitch. Before I had done I was more the friend than the
foe of the pine tree,
having become better acquainted with it, though I had cut down
some of them. There is something mournful in the crash
of a
every falling tree, though we hastily suppose
that it gives up its life without a groan. But
Yet even they do not fall to the ground
without our heavenly Father’s knowledge.
having become better acquainted with it, though I had cut down
some of them. There is something mournful in the crash
of a
every falling tree, though we hastily suppose
that it gives up its life without a groan. But
Yet even they do not fall to the ground
without our heavenly Father’s knowledge.
having become better acquainted with it, though I had cut down
some of them. There is something mournful in the crash of every falling tree,
though we hastily suppose that it gives up its life without a groan. Yet even
they do
this does not fall to the ground without
their
its heavenly Father’s knowledge.
though I had cut down some of them, having become better acquainted with
it.
though I had cut down some of them, having become better acquainted with
it.
though I had cut down some of them, having become better acquainted with
it.
though I had cut down some of them, having become better acquainted with
it.
though I had cut down some of them, having become better acquainted with
it.
Sometimes a rambler
of
of
of
in
in
in
in
in
in
the wood was attracted by the sound of my axe, and we chatted pleasantly over
the chips
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
I had made.
By the middle of April, for I made no haste in my work, but rather made the
most of it, my house was framed and ready for the raising. I had already
bought the
shanty of James Collins,
an Irishman who worked on
the Fitchburg Railroad,
an Irishman who worked on the Fitchburg Railroad,
an Irishman who worked on the Fitchburg Railroad,
an Irishman who worked on the Fitchburg Railroad,
an Irishman who worked on the Fitchburg Railroad,
an Irishman who worked on the Fitchburg Railroad,
an Irishman who worked on the Fitchburg Railroad,
an Irishman who worked on the Fitchburg Railroad,
for boards. James Collins’ shanty
was considered an
extra
extra
extra
uncommonly
uncommonly
uncommonly
uncommonly
uncommonly
uncommonly
fine one. When I called to see it he was not at home. I walked about the
outside, at first unobserved from within, the window was so deep and high.
It was of small dimensions, with a peaked cottage roof, and not much else
to be seen The dirt was
being
It was of small dimensions, with a peaked cottage roof, and not much else to
be seen, the dirt being
It was of small dimensions, with a peaked cottage roof, and not much else to
be seen, the dirt being
It was of small dimensions, with a peaked cottage roof, and not much else to
be seen, the dirt being
It was of small dimensions, with a peaked cottage roof, and not much else to
be seen, the dirt being
It was of small dimensions, with a peaked cottage roof, and not much else to
be seen, the dirt being
It was of small dimensions, with a peaked cottage roof, and not much else to
be seen, the dirt being
It was of small dimensions, with a peaked cottage roof, and not much else to
be seen, the dirt being
raised five feet all around as if it were a compost heap. The roof was the
soundest part, though a good deal warped and made brittle by the sun. Door-sill there
was none, but a perennial passage for the hens under the door board. Mrs. C. came
to
the door and asked me to view it from the inside.
The hens
The hens
The hens
The hens
The hens
The hens
The hens
The hens
were driven in by my approach. It was
as
dark
as a cellar
of small compass-peaked cottage roof
and had a dirt floor mostly
which was
for the most part
of ague
clammy & aguish only
dark, and had a dirt floor for the most part, dank, clammy, and aguish,
only
dark, and had a dirt floor for the most part, dank, clammy, and aguish,
only
dark, and had a dirt floor for the most part, dank, clammy, and aguish,
only
dark, and had a dirt floor for the most part, dank, clammy, and aguish,
only
dark, and had a dirt floor for the most part, dank, clammy, and aguish,
only
dark, and had a dirt floor for the most part, dank, clammy, and aguish,
only
dark, and had a dirt floor for the most part, dank, clammy, and aguish,
only
here a board and there a board which would not bear removal. She lighted a
lamp to show me the
ceiling and the sides
inside of the roof and the walls,
inside of the roof and the walls,
inside of the roof and the walls,
inside of the roof and the walls,
inside of the roof and the walls,
inside of the roof and the walls,
inside of the roof and the walls,
inside of the roof and the walls,
and also that the board floor extended under the bed, warning me not to step
into the cellar, a sort of dust hole two feet deep. In her own words, they were “good
boards overhead, good boards all around, and a good window,”—of two whole squares
originally,
originally,
originally,
originally,
originally,
originally,
originally,
originally,
only the cat
had
had
had
had
had
had
had
had
passed out that way lately. There was a stove, a bed, and a place to sit, an
infant in the house where it was born, a silk parasol, gilt-framed looking-glass,
and
a patent new coffee mill nailed to an oak sapling, all told. The bargain was soon
concluded, for James had
in the mean while
in the mean while
in the mean while
in the mean while
in the mean while
in the mean while
in the mean while
in the mean while
returned. I to pay four dollars and twenty-five cents to-night, he to vacate
at five to-morrow morning, selling to nobody else meanwhile: I to take possession
at
six. It were well, he said, to be there early, and anticipate certain indistinct but
wholly unjust claims on the score of ground rent and fuel. This he assured me was
the
only encumbrance. At six I passed him
and his family on the road. One large bundle
held their all,—bed, coffee-mill, looking-glass, hens,—all but the cat, she took to
the woods and became a wild cat, and, as I learned afterward, trod in a trap set for
woodchucks, and so became a dead cat at last.
I
threw
took
took
took
took
took
took
took
took
down this dwelling the same morning, drawing the nails, and removed it to
the pond side by small cartloads, spreading the boards on the grass there to
bleach and warp back again in the sun. One early thrush gave me a note or two as I
drove along the woodland path. I was informed treacherously
by a young Patrick that neighbor Seeley,
an
by a young Patrick that neighbor Seeley, an
by a young Patrick that neighbor Seeley, an
by a young Patrick that neighbor Seeley, an
by a young Patrick that neighbor Seeley, an
Irishman, in the intervals of the carting, transferred the still tolerable,
straight, and drivable nails, staples, and spikes to his pocket, and then
stood there
stood
stood
stood
stood
when I came back to pass the time of day, and look freshly up, unconcerned,
with spring thoughts, at the devastation; there being a dearth of work, as he
said. He was there to represent spectatordom, and help make this seemingly
insignificant event one with the removal of the gods of Troy.
I dug my cellar in the side of a hill
sloping to
the south, where a woodchuck had formerly dug his burrow, down through sumach and
blackberry roots, and the lowest stain of vegetation, six feet square by seven deep,
to a fine sand where potatoes would not freeze in any winter. The sides were left
shelving, and not stoned; but
the sun having never shone on them,
the sun having never shone on them,
the sun having never shone on them,
the sun having never shone on them,
the sand still keeps its place. It was but two hours’ work.
I took particular pleasure in this breaking of ground, for in
I took particular pleasure in this breaking of ground, for in almost
I took particular pleasure in this breaking of ground, for in almost
I took particular pleasure in this breaking of ground, for in almost
I took particular pleasure in this breaking of ground, for in almost
all latitudes men dig
into the earth
into the earth
into the earth
into the earth
into the earth
for an equable temperature.
and under the most splendid superstructures
house in the city
—as well as in the country—
are
is still to be found these primitive burrows
the cellar where men
Under the most splendid house in the city is still to be found the cellar
where they
Under the most splendid house in the city is still to be found the cellar
where they
Under the most splendid house in the city is still to be found the cellar
where they
Under the most splendid house in the city is still to be found the cellar
where they
store their roots as of old, and long after the
former has disappeared men will remark these dents
superstructure has disappeared posterity remark its dent
superstructure has disappeared posterity remark its dent
superstructure has disappeared posterity remark its dent
superstructure has disappeared posterity remark its dent
superstructure has disappeared posterity remark its dent
in the earth.
The house is still but a sort of porch at the entrance of a
burrow.
The house is still but a sort of porch at the entrance of a burrow.
The house is still but a sort of porch at the entrance of a burrow.
The house is still but a sort of porch at the entrance of a burrow.
The house is still but a sort of porch at the entrance of a burrow.
At length, in the beginning of May, with the help of some
of my acquaintances,
rather to improve so good
an occasion for neighborliness than from any necessity, I set up the frame of my
house.
No man was ever more honored in the character of his raisers than I.
They are destined, I trust, to assist at the raising of loftier
structures one day.
No man was ever more honored in the character of his raisers than I. They
are destined, I trust, to assist at the raising of loftier structures one
day.
No man was ever more honored in the character of his raisers than I. They
are destined, I trust, to assist at the raising of loftier structures one
day.
No man was ever more honored in the character of his raisers than I. They
are destined, I trust, to assist at the raising of loftier structures one
day.
No man was ever more honored in the character of his raisers than I. They
are destined, I trust, to assist at the raising of loftier structures one
day.
I began to occupy
it
my house
my house
my house
my house
my house
on the 4th of July,
as soon as it was boarded and roofed, for the boards were
carefully feather-edged and lapped,
so that it was perfectly impervious to rain; but before boarding
I laid the foundation of a chimney at one end, bringing two cartloads of stones up
the hill from the pond in my arms. I built the chimney after my hoeing in the
fall, before a fire became necessary for warmth, doing my cooking in the mean
while out of doors on the ground, early in the morning: which mode I still think
is in some respects more convenient and agreeable than the usual one. When it
stormed before my bread was baked, I fixed a few boards over the fire, and sat
under them to watch my loaf, and passed some pleasant hours in that way. In those
days, when my hands were much employed, I read but
little in books,
little,
little,
little,
little,
but the least scraps of paper which lay on the ground, my holder, or
tablecloth, afforded me as much entertainment, in fact
answered the same purpose as the Iliad.
It would be worth the while to build
still
still
still
still
still
more deliberately
r
Revision note: D1: and poetically,
and poetically
than I did,
than I did,
than I did,
than I did,
than I did,
considering,
for instance,
for instance,
for instance,
for instance,
for instance,
what foundation a door, a window, a cellar, a garret, have in the nature of
man, and
perchance
perchance
perchance
perchance
perchance
never raising any superstructure until we found a better
foundation for it in our minds. Even I built too heedlessly to build
well, or fairly to learn my lesson
reason for it than our temporal necessities
even.
reason for it than our temporal necessities even.
reason for it than our temporal necessities even.
reason for it than our temporal necessities even.
reason for it than our temporal necessities even.
There is
something of the same propriety
some of the same fitness
some of the same fitness
some of the same fitness
some of the same fitness
some of the same fitness
in a man’s building his own house that there is in a bird’s building
r
Revision note: D1: her
her
its
its
its
its
its
own nest.
r
Revision note: D1: unless we would be
do like cowbirds & cuckoos which lay their eggs in the nest which other birds
have built and perhaps if men simply & honestly provided food
for themselves & families, and constructed their dwellings with their
own hands the poetic faculty would be universally developed, as birds sing
in the spring
at the season of the year when they are so
engaged.
unless we would do like cowbirds and cuckoos, which lay their eggs in
nests which other birds have built. Perchance, if men constructed
their dwellings with their own hands, and provided food for themselves and
families simply and honestly enough, the poetic faculty would be universally
developed, as birds universally sing when they are so engaged. In
building a shelter for himself man yields to a like instinct with the
bird when it builds its nest, and celebrates its labors with its song;
and perhaps if all men did thus, and provided
But alas we do like cowbirds & cuckoos which lay
their eggs in nests which other birds have built, & cheer no
traveller with their chattering & unmusical notes.
Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and
provided food for themselves and families simply and honestly enough, the
poetic faculty would be universally developed, as birds universally sing
when they are so engaged? But alas! we do like cowbirds and cuckoos, which lay their eggs in nests which
other birds have built, and cheer no traveller with their chattering and
unmusical notes.
Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and
provided food for themselves and families simply and honestly enough, the
poetic faculty would be universally developed, as birds universally sing
when they are so engaged? But alas! we do like cowbirds and cuckoos, which lay their eggs in nests which
other birds have built, and cheer no traveller with their chattering and
unmusical notes.
Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and
provided food for themselves and families simply and honestly enough, the
poetic faculty would be universally developed, as birds universally sing
when they are so engaged? But alas! we do like cowbirds and cuckoos, which lay their eggs in nests which
other birds have built, and cheer no traveller with their chattering and
unmusical notes.
Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and
provided food for themselves and families simply and honestly enough, the
poetic faculty would be universally developed, as birds universally sing
when they are so engaged? But alas! we do like cowbirds and cuckoos, which lay their eggs in nests which
other birds have built, and cheer no traveller with their chattering and
unmusical notes.
Shall
men
we
we
we
we
we
forever resign the pleasure of construction to the carpenter?
In building a shelter for himself man yields to the like
instinct with the bird who is building her nest—& who celebrates her
labors with her song What does architecture mean in
the experience of the mass of men?
What does architecture amount to in the experience of the mass of
men?
What does architecture amount to in the experience of the mass of
men?
What does architecture amount to in the experience of the mass of
men?
What does architecture amount to in the experience of the mass of
men?
I never in all my walks came across a man engaged in so simple and natural
a thing
an occupation
an occupation
an occupation
an occupation
as building his house. We belong to the community. It is not the tailor
alone who is the ninth part of a man;
That remark applies universally to the condition of men today—and is as
true of the preacher as the tailor
the nobleman as the peasant
it is as much the preacher or merchant.
it is as much the preacher, and the merchant, and the farmer.
it is as much the preacher, and the merchant, and the farmer.
it is as much the preacher, and the merchant, and the farmer.
it is as much the preacher, and the merchant, and the farmer.
Where is this division of labor to end?
and what object does it finally serve?
finally is its final object?
object does it finally serve?
object does it finally serve?
object does it finally serve?
object does it finally serve?
No doubt another
may
also think for me; but
it is not therefore desirable that he should
do so
do so
do so
do so
do so
to the exclusion of my thinking for
myself. Folly in the gross is no more respectable than folly
in detail. I do not hesitate to repeat what was asserted by another in
a moment of illumination that “mankind is a damned fool.” Take the
article ice, for instance, I say that society is foolish which so unwisely
adds this to the already long list of its luxuries. My argument is this. We
are exceedingly poor &
not to say bankrupt living beyond our means—ice is a mere luxury
at best & concomitant of luxuries—& truly it is an expensive
luxury—say what you will about it. Have 20 mats at your door if you have
leisure to shake them yourself—The fatuity with which it adopts &
clutches at our luxuries—it is a roué, a debauché and will not listen to
reason—as well as reason with a sick man. You must use force for his good or
let him die!
myself.
myself.
myself.
myself.
True, there are architects so called in this
country as elsewhere,
country,
country,
country,
country,
and I have heard of one
at least possessed with the
idea of making architectural ornaments have a core of truth,
a necessity,
and hence a beauty, as if it were a revelation
unto
to
to
to
to
to
him. All very well
perchance
perhaps
perhaps
perhaps
perhaps
from his point of view, but only a little better than the common
dilettantism. One must treat tenderly such artists and their
schemes.
dilettantism.
dilettantism.
dilettantism.
dilettantism.
A sentimental reformer in architecture, he began at the cornice, not at the
foundation. It was only how to put a core of truth within the ornaments, that
every sugar plum in fact might have an almond or caraway seed
in it,—though I hold that almonds are most wholesome without the
sugar,
in it,—though I hold that almonds are most wholesome without the
sugar,
in it,—though I hold that almonds are most wholesome without the
sugar,
in it,—though I hold that almonds are most wholesome without the
sugar,
—and not how the inhabitant, the indweller, might build
truly within and
without, and let the ornaments take care of themselves. What reasonable man ever
supposed that ornaments were something
outward and
outward and
outward and
outward and
outward and
in the skin merely,—that the tortoise got his spotted shell, or the
shellfish its mother-o’-pearl tints, by such a contract as the
people
inhabitants
inhabitants
inhabitants
inhabitants
inhabitants
of Broadway their Trinity Church?
r
Revision note: D1:
But a man has no more to do with the style of
architecture of his house than a tortoise with that of its shell: nor
need the soldier be so idle as to try to paint the precise color of his virtue on his standard. The enemy
will find it out. He may turn pale when the trial comes.
But a man has no more to do with the style of architecture of his house
than a tortoise with that of its shell: nor need the soldier be so idle as
to try to paint the precise color of his
virtue on his standard. The enemy will find it out. He may turn pale when
the trial comes.
But a man has no more to do with the style of architecture of his house
than a tortoise with that of its shell: nor need the soldier be so idle as
to try to paint the precise color of his
virtue on his standard. The enemy will find it out. He may turn pale when
the trial comes.
But a man has no more to do with the style of architecture of his house
than a tortoise with that of its shell: nor need the soldier be so idle as
to try to paint the precise color of his
virtue on his standard. The enemy will find it out. He may turn pale when
the trial comes.
But a man has no more to do with the style of architecture of his house
than a tortoise with that of its shell: nor need the soldier be so idle as
to try to paint the precise color of his
virtue on his standard. The enemy will find it out. He may turn pale when
the trial comes.
This man seemed to me to lean over the cornice and timidly whisper
this
his
his
his
his
his
half truth to the rude
r
Revision note: D1: indwellers
indwellers
occupants
occupants
occupants
occupants
who really knew it
more interiorly
better
better
better
better
better
than he. What of architectural beauty I now see, I know has gradually grown
from within outward, out of the
character and necessities and
character
necessities and character
necessities and character
necessities and character
necessities and character
of the indweller,
r
Revision note: D1:
and
who is the only
and
who is the only
who is the only
who is the only
who is the only
who is the only
builder,—out of
r
Revision note: D1: an
an
some
some
some
some
some
unconscious
r
Revision note: D1: nobleness & truthfulness,
nobleness, and truthfulness &
nobleness,
truthfulness, and nobleness,
truthfulness, and nobleness,
truthfulness, and nobleness,
truthfulness, and nobleness,
without ever a thought for
mere ornament;
the appearance;
the appearance;
the appearance;
the appearance;
and whatever additional beauty of this kind is destined to be produced will
be
r
Revision note: D1: preceded & accompanied, aye created
preceded & created
preceded
preceded
preceded
preceded
by a like unconscious beauty of life.
r
Revision note: D1:
One of the most beautiful dwellings in this country is a loggers hut in
the woods
the most beautiful dwellings in this country are as
the painter knows the most unpretending, humble log huts &
cottages;
The most beautiful
interesting dwellings in this country are as the
painter knows are the most unpretending,
humble log-huts & cottages of the poor commonly;
The most interesting dwellings in this country, as the painter knows, are
the most unpretending, humble log huts and cottages of the poor
commonly;
The most interesting dwellings in this country, as the painter knows, are
the most unpretending, humble log huts and cottages of the poor
commonly;
The most interesting dwellings in this country, as the painter knows, are
the most unpretending, humble log huts and cottages of the poor
commonly;
The most interesting dwellings in this country, as the painter knows, are
the most unpretending, humble log huts and cottages of the poor
commonly;
r
Revision note: D1:
it is the life of the inhabitants whose shells they are, and not any
peculiarity in their surface merely, which makes them picturesque
;
it is the life of the inhabitants whose shells they are, and not any
peculiarity in their surface merely, which makes them picturesque
;
it is the life of the inhabitants whose shells they are, and not any
peculiarity in their surface merely, which makes them picturesque
;
it is the life of the inhabitants whose shells they are, and not any
peculiarity in their surface merely, which makes them picturesque
;
it is the life of the inhabitants whose shells they are, and not any
peculiarity in their surface merely, which makes them picturesque
;
and equally
r
Revision note: D1: beautiful
beautiful
interesting
interesting
interesting
interesting
interesting
will be the citizen’s suburban box, when
r
Revision note: D1: the life of the indweller
the life of the indweller
his life
his life
his life
his life
shall be as simple and as agreeable to the imagination, and there is as
little straining after effect in the style of his dwelling. A great proportion of
architectural ornaments are literally hollow, and a September gale
would strip
most of them
them
them
them
them
off, like borrowed plumes, without injury to the substantials. They
will
can
can
can
can
do without
architecture
who have no olives
nor wines
in the cellar.
What if an equal ado were made about the ornaments of style in literature,
and the architects of our bibles spent as much time about their cornices as
the architects of our churches do? So are made the belles-lettres and the beaux-arts and
their professors.
What if an equal ado were made about the ornaments of style in literature,
and the architects of our bibles spent as much time about their cornices as
the architects of our churches do? So are made the belles-lettres and the beaux-arts and
their professors.
What if an equal ado were made about the ornaments of style in literature,
and the architects of our bibles spent as much time about their cornices as
the architects of our churches do? So are made the belles-lettres and the beaux-arts and
their professors.
What if an equal ado were made about the ornaments of style in literature,
and the architects of our bibles spent as much time about their cornices as
the architects of our churches do? So are made the belles-lettres and the beaux-arts and
their professors.
Much it concerns a man, forsooth, how a few sticks are slanted over him or
under him,
and what colors are daubed upon his box.
and what colors are daubed upon his box.
and what colors are daubed upon his box.
and what colors are daubed upon his box.
and what colors are daubed upon his box.
It would signify somewhat, if, in
r
Revision note: D1: some
some
any
any
any
any
any
earnest sense,
he
slanted
them & daubed them;
them and daubed it;
them and daubed it;
them and daubed it;
them and daubed it;
but
now,
the spirit having departed out of the tenant,
the spirit having departed out of the tenant,
the spirit having departed out of the tenant,
the spirit having departed out of the tenant,
it is of a piece
with constructing his own coffin,—the architecture of the grave, and
“carpenter” is but another name for
“undertaker.”
“coffin-maker.”
“coffin-maker.”
One man says, in his despair or indifference to life, take up a handful of
the earth at your feet, and paint your house that color.
Is he thinking of his last and narrow
house?
Is he thinking of his last and narrow house?
Is he thinking of his last and narrow house?
Toss up a copper for it as well. What an abundance of leisure he must have!
Why do you take up a handful of dirt?
Why not paint your house with your blood, with your sweat, at
least? & thin not the paint with spirits of
turpentine.
Better paint your house your own complexion; let it turn pale or blush
for you.
Better paint your house your own complexion; let it turn pale or blush
for you.
An enterprise to improve the style of cottage architecture!
When you have got my
ornaments ready I will wear
them. Grow your own house, I say. Build it after some
Orphean fashion.
them.
them.
Before winter I
built a chimney, and
built a chimney, and
built a chimney, and
built a chimney, and
built a chimney, and
built a chimney, and
shingled the sides of my house, which were already impervious to rain, with
imperfect and sappy shingles made of the first slice of the log, whose edges I was
obliged to straighten with a plane.
I have
a
thus a tight shingled and plastered house even more thoroughly finished than usual excepting the shingling
thus a tight shingled and plastered house,
thus a tight shingled and plastered house,
thus a tight shingled and plastered house,
thus a tight shingled and plastered house,
thus a tight shingled and plastered house,
thus a tight shingled and plastered house,
thus a tight shingled and plastered house,
ten feet
wide
wide
wide
wide
wide
wide
wide
wide
by fifteen
long,
long,
long,
long,
long,
long,
long,
long,
and eight-feet
high,
posts,
posts,
posts,
posts,
posts,
posts,
posts,
with a garret and a closet, a large window on each side, two trap doors, one
door at the end, and a
brick
brick
brick
brick
brick
brick
brick
brick
fireplace opposite. The exact cost of my
house, when completed,
house, when completed,
house,
house,
house,
house,
house,
house,
paying the usual price for
the materials
the materials
the
such materials
such materials as I used,
such materials as I used,
such materials as I used,
such materials as I used,
such materials as I used,
but not counting the work, all of which was done by myself, was as follows;
I should not enter so much into details if it were not for the fact
that
I should not enter so much into details if it were not for the fact
& I give the details because
and I give the details because
and I give the details because
and I give the details because
and I give the details because
and I give the details because
and I give the details because
very few are able to tell exactly what their houses cost,
and fewer still, if
any, the separate cost of the various materials which compose them:—
|
Boards,
|
$ 8 03½,
|
mostly shanty boards.
mostly shanty boards.
mostly shanty boards.
mostly shanty boards.
mostly shanty boards.
mostly shanty boards.
mostly shanty boards.
|
|
Refuse shingles for roof and sides,
|
4.00
4.00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
4 00
|
They were merely
just shakes They had to be straightened with a
plane
I had to straighten them with a plane
|
|
Laths,
|
1 25
|
|
|
Two second-hand windows with glass,
|
2 43
|
That was high
|
|
One thousand old brick,
|
4 00
|
|
|
Two casks of lime,
|
2 40
|
That was high.
|
|
Hair,
|
0 31
|
More than I needed.
|
|
Mantle-tree iron,
|
0 15
|
|
|
Nails,
|
3 90
|
|
|
Hinges and screws,
|
0 14
|
|
|
Latch,
|
.10
.10
.10
0 10
0 10
0 10
0 10
0 10
|
I helped forge that
I helped forge that
Finished by myself
Finished by myself
|
|
Chalk,
|
0 01
|
|
|
Transportation,
|
1 40
|
} I carried a good part on my back.
|
|
In all,
|
$28 12½
|
|
These are all the
materials which entered into its composition,
materials which entered into its composition
composed it,
materials,
materials,
materials,
materials,
materials,
excepting the
frame & the
frame & the
timber
timber
timber
timber
timber
stones and sand, which I claimed by squatter’s right.
I have also a small wood-shed
attached,
attached
adjoining,
adjoining,
adjoining,
adjoining,
adjoining,
adjoining,
made chiefly of the
materials which were
materials which were
stuff which was
stuff which was
stuff which was
stuff which was
stuff which was
stuff which was
left after building
my house.
my
the house.
the house.
the house.
the house.
the house.
the house.
I intend to build me a house which will surpass any on the main street
in Concord
in Concord
in Concord
in Concord
in Concord
in Concord
in Concord
in Concord
in grandeur and luxury, as soon as it pleases me as much and will cost me no
more than my present one.
I thus found that the student who
would have a shelter, i.e. if you wish to speak of facts and
will recognize only such a necessity as the fates know
would have a shelter, i.e. if you wish to speak of facts and
will recognize only such a necessity as the fates know
would have
wishes for a shelter, that is if you wish
to speak of facts, and will recognize only such necessities as the fates
know
wishes for a shelter
wishes for a shelter
wishes for a shelter
wishes for a shelter
wishes for a shelter
can obtain one
for a lifetime
for a lifetime
for a lifetime
for a lifetime
for a lifetime
for a lifetime
for a lifetime
at an expense not greater than the rent which he now pays annually. If I
seem to
be vainglorious in my statements & brag more than is
consistent with good taste,
be vainglorious in my statements & brag more than is
consistent with good taste,
be vainglorious and to boast more than is consistent with
good taste
in what I am about to say,
boast more than is becoming,
boast more than is becoming,
boast more than is becoming,
boast more than is becoming,
boast more than is becoming,
my excuse is that I brag for humanity
as well as
rather than
rather than
rather than
rather than
rather than
rather than
rather than
rather than
for myself;
I can well afford to assume the tone of a braggart there is
so much truth in what I say.
I can well afford to assume the tone of a braggart there is
so much truth in what I say.
and indeed I think that I can well afford to assume the
tone of a braggart, notwithstanding my inconsistencies, there will be so
much truth in what I shall say
certainly my numerous shortcomings &
inconsistencies do not affect the truth of what I now say
my present statement.
and my shortcomings and inconsistencies do not affect the truth of my
statement.
and my shortcomings and inconsistencies do not affect the truth of my
statement.
and my shortcomings and inconsistencies do not affect the truth of my
statement.
and my shortcomings and inconsistencies do not affect the truth of my
statement.
and my shortcomings and inconsistencies do not affect the truth of my
statement.
Notwithstanding much cant and hypocrisy,—chaff which I find it
difficult to separate from my wheat, but for which I am as sorry as any
man,—I will breathe freely and stretch myself in this respect, it is such a
relief to both the moral and physical system; and I am resolved that I will
not through humility become the devil’s attorney. I will endeavor
to speak a good word for the truth.
Notwithstanding much cant and hypocrisy,—chaff which I find it
difficult to separate from my wheat, but for which I am as sorry as any
man,—I will breathe freely and stretch myself in this respect, it is such a
relief to both the moral and physical system; and I am resolved that I will
not through humility become the devil’s attorney. I will endeavor
to speak a good word for the truth.
Notwithstanding much cant and hypocrisy,—chaff which I find it
difficult to separate from my wheat, but for which I am as sorry as any
man,—I will breathe freely and stretch myself in this respect, it is such a
relief to both the moral and physical system; and I am resolved that I will
not through humility become the devil’s attorney. I will endeavor
to speak a good word for the truth.
Notwithstanding much cant and hypocrisy,—chaff which I find it
difficult to separate from my wheat, but for which I am as sorry as any
man,—I will breathe freely and stretch myself in this respect, it is such a
relief to both the moral and physical system; and I am resolved that I will
not through humility become the devil’s attorney. I will endeavor
to speak a good word for the truth.
Notwithstanding much cant and hypocrisy,—chaff which I find it
difficult to separate from my wheat, but for which I am as sorry as any
man,—I will breathe freely and stretch myself in this respect, it is such a
relief to both the moral and physical system; and I am resolved that I will
not through humility become the devil’s attorney. I will endeavor
to speak a good word for the truth.
In
In
In
At
At
At
At
At
At
Cambridge College
the mere rent of a student’s room, which
is
no better
only somewhat larger
no better
only somewhat larger
only somewhat larger
only a little larger
only a little larger
only a little larger
only a little larger
only a little larger
than my own, is thirty dollars each year, though the corporation had the
advantage of building thirty-two side by side and under one roof, and the occupant
has
has
has
suffers
suffers
suffers
suffers
suffers
suffers
the inconvenience of many and noisy neighbors, and
a residence perhaps
a residence perhaps
perhaps a residence perhaps
perhaps a residence
perhaps a residence
perhaps a residence
perhaps a residence
perhaps a residence
in the fourth story.
I cannot but think that if the
college
corporation and the students had more
wit
true wisdom in these respects not only
less education would be needed, because forsooth more would already have
been acquired, but the expense of getting an education would
not only for the most part vanish, but less education
would be needed, because forsooth more would already have been
acquired. Just those
I cannot but think that if the
college
corporation and the students had more
wit
true wisdom in these respects not only
less education would be needed, because forsooth more would already have
been acquired, but the expense of getting an education would
not only for the most part vanish, but less education
would be needed, because forsooth more would already have been
acquired. Just those
I cannot but think that if the corporation and the
students
we had more true practical wisdom in these respects, not only less education would
be needed, because forsooth more would already have been acquired, but the
pecuniary expense of getting an education
would for the most part
in a great measure vanish. Just those
I cannot but think that if we had more true wisdom in these respects, not
only less education would be needed, because, forsooth, more would already
have been acquired, but the pecuniary expense of getting an education would
in a great measure vanish. Those
I cannot but think that if we had more true wisdom in these respects, not
only less education would be needed, because, forsooth, more would already
have been acquired, but the pecuniary expense of getting an education would
in a great measure vanish. Those
I cannot but think that if we had more true wisdom in these respects, not
only less education would be needed, because, forsooth, more would already
have been acquired, but the pecuniary expense of getting an education would
in a great measure vanish. Those
I cannot but think that if we had more true wisdom in these respects, not
only less education would be needed, because, forsooth, more would already
have been acquired, but the pecuniary expense of getting an education would
in a great measure vanish. Those
I cannot but think that if we had more true wisdom in these respects, not
only less education would be needed, because, forsooth, more would already
have been acquired, but the pecuniary expense of getting an education would
in a great measure vanish. Those
conveniences which the student requires at Cambridge
or elsewhere
or elsewhere
or elsewhere
or elsewhere
or elsewhere
or elsewhere
cost him or somebody else ten times as great a sacrifice of life as they
would with proper management on both sides.
Those things for which the most money is demanded
are not the things which the student most wants. Tuition, for instance,
of comparatively little value is an important item in the
term bill while the education which the student gets by associating with
the best of his contemporaries is not charged for there.
Those things for which the most money is demanded are never the things
which the student most wants. Tuition, for instance, is an important item in
the term bill, while for the far more valuable education which he gets by
associating with the most cultivated of his contemporaries no charge is
made.
Those things for which the most money is demanded are never the things
which the student most wants. Tuition, for instance, is an important item in
the term bill, while for the far more valuable education which he gets by
associating with the most cultivated of his contemporaries no charge is
made.
Those things for which the most money is demanded are never the things
which the student most wants. Tuition, for instance, is an important item in
the term bill, while for the far more valuable education which he gets by
associating with the most cultivated of his contemporaries no charge is
made.
Those things for which the most money is demanded are never the things
which the student most wants. Tuition, for instance, is an important item in
the term bill, while for the far more valuable education which he gets by
associating with the most cultivated of his contemporaries no charge is
made.
Those things for which the most money is demanded are never the things
which the student most wants. Tuition, for instance, is an important item in
the term bill, while for the far more valuable education which he gets by
associating with the most cultivated of his contemporaries no charge is
made.
The mode of founding a college is,
commonly,
commonly,
commonly,
commonly,
commonly,
commonly,
commonly,
to get up a subscription of dollars and cents, and then
following blindly the principles of a division of
labor to its extreme, a principle which should never be followed but with
circumspection, following blindly
following the principle of a division of labor to its extreme,
a principle which should only be
followed but with circumspection—to never be adopted
following blindly the principles of a division of labor to its extreme, a
principle which should never be followed but with circumspection,
following blindly the principles of a division of labor to its extreme, a
principle which should never be followed but with circumspection,
following blindly the principles of a division of labor to its extreme, a
principle which should never be followed but with circumspection,
following blindly the principles of a division of labor to its extreme, a
principle which should never be followed but with circumspection,
following blindly the principles of a division of labor to its extreme, a
principle which should never be followed but with circumspection,
following blindly the principles of a division of labor to its extreme, a
principle which should never be followed but with circumspection,
—
employ Irishmen or other operatives actually to
lay the foundations—or to call in a contractor to make this a
subject of speculation,
to employ Irishmen or other operatives, actually to lay the
foundations—or else to call in a contractor
to make this a subject of speculation,
to employ Irishmen, or other operatives, actually to lay the
foundations—or else to call in a contractor to make this a subject of
speculation,
to call in a contractor who makes this a subject of speculation, and he
employs Irishmen or other operatives actually to lay the foundations,
to call in a contractor who makes this a subject of speculation, and he
employs Irishmen or other operatives actually to lay the foundations,
to call in a contractor who makes this a subject of speculation, and he
employs Irishmen or other operatives actually to lay the foundations,
to call in a contractor who makes this a subject of speculation, and he
employs Irishmen or other operatives actually to lay the foundations,
to call in a contractor who makes this a subject of speculation, and he
employs Irishmen or other operatives actually to lay the foundations,
while the students that are to be are
said to be
said to be
said to be
said to be
said to be
said to be
said to be
said to be
fitting themselves for it; and for these oversights
succeeding
succeeding
succeeding
successive
successive
successive
successive
successive
generations have to pay. I think that it
would undoubtedly
would undoubtedly
would undoubtedly
would
would
would
would
would
be
better than this
better than this
better than this
better than this
better than this
better than this
better than this
better than this
for the students, or those who
desire to be benefited by it,
even
even
even
even
even
even
even
even
to lay the foundation themselves.
The student who secures his coveted leisure and retirement by
systematically shirking any labor necessary to man obtains but an ignoble
and unprofitable leisure, defrauding himself of the experience which alone
can make leisure fruitful.
The student who secures his coveted leisure and retirement by
systematically shirking any labor necessary to man obtains but an ignoble
and unprofitable leisure, defrauding himself of the experience which alone
can make leisure fruitful.
The student who secures his coveted leisure and retirement by
systematically shirking any labor necessary to man obtains but an ignoble
and unprofitable leisure, defrauding himself of the experience which alone
can make leisure fruitful.
The student who secures his coveted leisure and retirement by
systematically shirking any labor necessary to man obtains but an ignoble
and unprofitable leisure, defrauding himself of the experience which alone
can make leisure fruitful.
The student who secures his coveted leisure and retirement by
systematically shirking any labor necessary to man obtains but an ignoble
and unprofitable leisure, defrauding himself of the experience which alone
can make leisure fruitful.
The student who secures his coveted leisure and retirement by
systematically shirking any labor necessary to man obtains but an ignoble
and unprofitable leisure, defrauding himself of the experience which alone
can make leisure fruitful.
The student who secures his coveted leisure and retirement by
systematically shirking any labor necessary to man obtains but an ignoble
and unprofitable leisure, defrauding himself of the experience which alone
can make leisure fruitful.
But,
But,
But asks one,
“But,” says one,
“But,” says one,
“But,” says one,
“But,” says one,
“But,” says one,
“you do not mean that the students should go to work with their hands
instead of their
heads do you? No—
heads, do you?—No,
heads, do you?
heads?"
heads?"
heads?"
heads?"
heads?"
I do not mean that exactly, but I mean something which
you
you
you
he
he
he
he
he
might think a good deal like that; I mean that
they should work with their hands as well as or rather than
with their heads
the students should work with their hands as well as with their heads at least
they should not play life or study it merely while the community
supports them at this expensive game but earnestly live it from beginning
to end
they should not play life, or study it merely, while the community supports
them at this expensive game, but earnestly live it from beginning to end.
they should not play life, or study it merely, while the community supports
them at this expensive game, but earnestly live it from beginning to end.
they should not play life, or study it merely, while the community supports
them at this expensive game, but earnestly live it from beginning to end.
they should not play life, or study it merely, while the community supports
them at this expensive game, but earnestly live it from beginning to end.
they should not play life, or study it merely, while the community supports
them at this expensive game, but earnestly live it from beginning to end.
they should not play life, or study it merely, while the community supports
them at this expensive game, but earnestly live it from beginning to end.
How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying the
experiment of living? Methinks this would exercise their minds as much as
mathematics. How will you better learn to live than by trying the
experiment of living a little.
How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying
the experiment of living? Methinks this would exercise their minds
sufficiently
as much as mathematics.
How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying the
experiment of living? Methinks this would exercise their minds as much as
mathematics.
How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying the
experiment of living? Methinks this would exercise their minds as much as
mathematics.
How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying the
experiment of living? Methinks this would exercise their minds as much as
mathematics.
How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying the
experiment of living? Methinks this would exercise their minds as much as
mathematics.
How could youths better learn to live than by at once trying the
experiment of living? Methinks this would exercise their minds as much as
mathematics.
If I wished a boy to know something about the arts and sciences,
for instance,
for instance,
for instance,
for instance,
for instance,
I
should
would
would
would
would
would
not pursue the common course, which is
merely
merely
merely
merely
merely
to send him into the neighborhood of some professor, where any thing is
professed and practised but the art of
human life;
life;
life;
life;
life;
—to survey the world through a telescope or a microscope, and never with his
natural eye; to study chemistry, and not
know
learn
learn
learn
learn
learn
how his bread is made, or mechanics, and not
know
learn
learn
learn
learn
learn
how it is earned; to discover new satellites to Neptune,
and
not detect the motes in his eyes,
or to what vagabond he is a satellite himself; or
or to what vagabond he is a satellite himself; or
or to what vagabond he is a satellite himself; or
or to what vagabond he is a satellite himself; or
to be devoured by the monsters that swarm all around him, while
contemplating the monsters in a drop of vinegar. Which would
be the wisest
have advanced the most
have advanced the most
have advanced the most
have advanced the most
at the end of a month,—the boy who had made his own jackknife from the ore
which he had dug and smelted,
reading as much as would be necessary for that
purpose,
reading as much as would be necessary for this,
reading as much as would be necessary for this,
reading as much as would be necessary for this,
reading as much as would be necessary for this,
—or the boy who had attended the lectures on metallurgy at the
Institute
in the mean while, and had received a Rodgers’
knife
penknife
penknife
penknife
penknife
from his father? Which would
be most likely to cut his
fingers? Methinks the former would have something to tell the
professor. How much more aid might the agricultural chemist afford to the
farmer, if he were to some extent an agriculturalist himself? Of what avail,
if the man of science merely shows you how to do a thing, which he cannot
do, he says for want of leisure and you
cannot understand perhaps for the same
reason. Forsooth, to him it is so easy—and to you it is so hard, that
it is not worth the while for either to try; and so the gifts of the gods
are spilled between you! I remembered n
Note: continued on a missing leaf (R. Clapper)
fingers?
fingers?
fingers?
fingers?
—To my astonishment I was informed on leaving college that I had studied
navigation!
—
why, if I had taken one turn down the harbor I should have known more
about it. Even the poor student studies and is
taught only political economy, while that
economy of living which is synonymous with philosophy is not even sincerely
professed in our colleges. The consequence is, that while he is reading Adam
Smith, Ricardo, and Say, he runs his father in
debt irretrievably.
why, if I had taken one turn down the harbor I should have known more
about it. Even the poor student studies and is
taught only political economy, while that
economy of living which is synonymous with philosophy is not even sincerely
professed in our colleges. The consequence is, that while he is reading Adam
Smith, Ricardo, and Say, he runs his father in
debt irretrievably.
why, if I had taken one turn down the harbor I should have known more
about it. Even the poor student studies and is
taught only political economy, while that
economy of living which is synonymous with philosophy is not even sincerely
professed in our colleges. The consequence is, that while he is reading Adam
Smith, Ricardo, and Say, he runs his father in
debt irretrievably.
why, if I had taken one turn down the harbor I should have known more
about it. Even the poor student studies and is
taught only political economy, while that
economy of living which is synonymous with philosophy is not even sincerely
professed in our colleges. The consequence is, that while he is reading Adam
Smith, Ricardo, and Say, he runs his father in
debt irretrievably.
And,
And,
And,
As with our colleges,
As with our colleges,
As with our colleges,
As with our colleges,
As with our colleges,
so with a hundred “modern improvements”; there is an illusion about them;
there is
no positive advance.
no positive advance.
no positive advance.
clear and absolute advancement.
not always a positive advance.
not always a positive advance.
not always a positive advance.
not always a positive advance.
not always a positive advance.
The devil goes on exacting compound interest to the last for his early
interest
share
share
share
share
share
share
share
share
and numerous
succeeding
succeeding
succeeding
succeeding
succeeding
succeeding
succeeding
investments in
them.
If we’re to get rid at once of all those things
which our better sense tells us to be shams, how many other customs
which are now beyond suspicion would go with them?
them.
If we’re to get rid at once of all those things
which our better sense tells us to be shams, how many other customs
which are now beyond suspicion would go with them?
them.
If we’re to get rid at once of all those things
which our better sense tells us to be shams, how many other customs
which are now beyond suspicion would go with them?
them.
them.
them.
them.
them.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which
distract our attention from serious things.
Our inventions are wont to be
commonly pretty toys which distract our
attention from serious things
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention
from serious things.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention
from serious things.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention
from serious things.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention
from serious things.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention
from serious things.
They are but improved means to an unimproved
end.
They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was
already too easy to arrive at; as railroads lead to Boston or New
York.
They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was
already too easy to arrive at; as railroads lead to Boston or New
York.
They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was
already too easy to arrive at; as railroads lead to Boston or New
York.
They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was
already too easy to arrive at; as railroads lead to Boston or New
York.
They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was
already too easy to arrive at; as railroads lead to Boston or New
York.
Men
Men
We
We
We
We
We
We
We
are in great haste to construct a magnetic telegraph
from
Maine to
Louisiana—but Maine and Louisiana have nothing to
communicate. I don’t remember anything that Louisiana ever said. She
Louisiana—but Maine and Louisiana have nothing important to communicate. I don’t remember
anything that Louisiana ever said or Maine. She
Either
Louisiana
Texas but Maine & Louisiana
Texas it may be have nothing important to
communicate. Either
Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing important to
communicate. Either
Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing important to
communicate. Either
Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing important to
communicate. Either
Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing important to
communicate. Either
Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing important to
communicate. Either
is in such a predicament as the
gentleman
gentleman
man
man
man
man
man
man
man
who was earnest to be introduced to a distinguished deaf woman,
but when he was presented, and
one end of the ear trumpet
one end of her ear trumpet
one end of her ear trumpet was
one end of her ear trumpet was
one end of her ear trumpet was
one end of her ear trumpet was
one end of her ear trumpet was
one end of her ear trumpet was
put into his hand, had nothing to say.
As if the main object were to talk fast and not to
talk sensibly.
As if the main object were to talk fast and not to talk sensibly.
As if the main object were to talk fast and not to talk sensibly.
As if the main object were to talk fast and not to talk sensibly.
As if the main object were to talk fast and not to talk sensibly.
As if the main object were to talk fast and not to talk sensibly.
Men are mad
Men
We are mad
We are mad
eager
We are eager
We are eager
We are eager
We are eager
We are eager
to tunnel under the Atlantic
and bring the old world some weeks nearer to the
new; but perchance the first news that will leak through into the broad, flapping
American ear will be that the Princess Adelaide
has the whooping cough.
After all, the man
whose horse trots a mile in a minute
who rides the fastest trotting horse
whose horse trots a mile in a minute
whose horse trots a mile in a minute
whose horse trots a mile in a minute
whose horse trots a mile in a minute
whose horse trots a mile in a minute
does not carry the most important messages; he is not
r
Revision note: C1:
one of the evangelists. The jockey does not
an evangelist: nor does he
one of the evangelists nor does he
an evangelist, nor does he
an evangelist, nor does he
an evangelist, nor does he
an evangelist, nor does he
an evangelist, nor does he
come round eating locusts and wild
honey.
I doubt if
the famous horse
Flying
Flying
Flying
Flying
Flying
Flying
Childers
ever
carried a peck of corn to
mill. Certain rights were practised by the Smrities (a sect
among the Hindoos) at the digging of wells. The pond was my well ready
dug—therefore I had no occasion to practice my rights of this sort. When the
Gods have a message which they are in haste to communicate to mankind they
won’t send it by the express train nor over the telegraph wire
mill.
mill.
mill.
mill.
mill.
One says to me, “I wonder that you do not lay up money; you love to travel;
you might take the cars and go to Fitchburg
to-day and see the country.” But I am wiser than that. I have learned that the
swiftest traveller is he that goes afoot. I say to my friend, Suppose we try who will
get there
first.
first.
first.
first.
first.
first.
first.
The distance is thirty miles;
The distance is thirty miles;
The distance is thirty miles;
The distance is thirty miles;
The distance is thirty miles;
The distance is thirty miles;
The distance is thirty miles;
The distance is thirty miles;
the fare
is a dollar
70 cents which is less than on most roads.
70 cents—less than on most roads—Yet
ninety cents.
ninety cents.
ninety cents.
ninety cents.
ninety cents.
ninety cents.
That is
almost
almost
almost
almost
almost
almost
almost
almost
a day’s wages.
I have known wages to be 60 cents a day for laborers on that very road.
Well,
I have known wages to be
remember when wages were 60 cents a day for
laborers on this very road. Well,
I remember when wages were sixty cents a day for laborers on this very road.
Well,
I remember when wages were sixty cents a day for laborers on this very road.
Well,
I remember when wages were sixty cents a day for laborers on this very road.
Well,
I remember when wages were sixty cents a day for laborers on this very road.
Well,
I remember when wages were sixty cents a day for laborers on this very road.
Well,
I remember when wages were sixty cents a day for laborers on this very road.
Well,
I start now on foot, and get there before night; I have travelled at that rate
by the week together.
I have travelled at that rate by the week together.
I have travelled at that rate by the week together.
I have travelled at that rate by the week together.
I have travelled at that rate by the week together.
I have travelled at that rate by the week together.
I have travelled at that rate by the week together.
I have travelled at that rate by the week together.
You will in the mean while have earned your
fare
dollar
fare and get
arrive
fare, and arrive
fare, and arrive
fare, and arrive
fare, and arrive
fare, and arrive
fare, and arrive
fare, and arrive
there some time to-morrow,
or possibly this evening, that is if you are lucky enough to
find a job in season.
or possibly this evening, if you are lucky enough to get a job in
season.
or possibly this evening, if you are lucky enough to get a job in
season.
or possibly this evening, if you are lucky enough to get a job in
season.
or possibly this evening, if you are lucky enough to get a job in
season.
or possibly this evening, if you are lucky enough to get a job in
season.
or possibly this evening, if you are lucky enough to get a job in
season.
or possibly this evening, if you are lucky enough to get a job in
season.
Instead of going to Fitchburg, you will be working here
the greater part of the day.
Instead of going to Fitchburg, you will be working here the greater part of
the day.
Instead of going to Fitchburg, you will be working here the greater part of
the day.
Instead of going to Fitchburg, you will be working here the greater part of
the day.
Instead of going to Fitchburg, you will be working here the greater part of
the day.
Instead of going to Fitchburg, you will be working here the greater part of
the day.
Instead of going to Fitchburg, you will be working here the greater part of
the day.
And so, if the railroad reached round the world, I think that I should keep
ahead of you; and as for seeing the country and getting experience
I think I
of that kind I
of that kind, I
of that kind, I
of that kind, I
of that kind, I
of that kind, I
of that kind, I
should have to cut your acquaintance altogether.
Such is the universal law, which no man can ever outwit,
and
even with regard to the railroad even
with regard to the railroad even
with regard to the railroad even
with regard to the railroad even
with regard to the railroad even
with regard to the railroad even
we may say it is as broad as it is long.
if you want to make a railroad round the world for mankind
you must grade the whole surface.
To make a railroad round the world available to all mankind is equivalent
to grading the whole surface of the planet.
To make a railroad round the world available to all mankind is equivalent
to grading the whole surface of the planet.
To make a railroad round the world available to all mankind is equivalent
to grading the whole surface of the planet.
To make a railroad round the world available to all mankind is equivalent
to grading the whole surface of the planet.
To make a railroad round the world available to all mankind is equivalent
to grading the whole surface of the planet.
Men have an indistinct notion that if they keep up this activity of joint
stocks and spades long enough all will at length ride
nowhere,
somewhere,
somewhere,
somewhere,
somewhere,
somewhere,
somewhere,
in next to no time, and for nothing;
Every day it happens that when the bell rings
mankind
a crowd rushes to the station house
depot, the conductor shouts “all aboard,” Whiz
tiz siz burz & the cars are off. But when the smoke blows away & the
vapor condenses, it is perceived that a few are riding, but the rest are run
over—& it is called and is a melancholy accident.
Every day it happens that when the bell rings
mankind
a crowd rushes to the station house
depot, the conductor shouts “all aboard,” Whiz
tiz siz burz & the cars are off. But when the smoke blows away & the
vapor condenses, it is perceived that a few are riding, but the rest are run
over—& it is called and is a melancholy accident.
Every day it happens that when the bell rings
but though a crowd rushes to the depot, & the conductor shouts “all aboard,”
Whiz-tiz-siz-burz, and the cars are off. But when the smoke
blows away and the vapor condenses it is
will be perceived that a few are riding, but
the rest are run over; and it is
will be called, and is
will be, “a melancholy accident.”
but though a crowd rushes to the depot, and the conductor shouts “All
aboard!” when the smoke is blown away and the vapor condensed, it will be
perceived that a few are riding, but the rest are run over,— and it will be
called, and will be, “A melancholy accident.”
but though a crowd rushes to the depot, and the conductor shouts “All
aboard!” when the smoke is blown away and the vapor condensed, it will be
perceived that a few are riding, but the rest are run over,— and it will be
called, and will be, “A melancholy accident.”
but though a crowd rushes to the depot, and the conductor shouts “All
aboard!” when the smoke is blown away and the vapor condensed, it will be
perceived that a few are riding, but the rest are run over,— and it will be
called, and will be, “A melancholy accident.”
No doubt they
will
can
can
can
can
can
can
ride at last
who shall have earned their fare,
that is if they survive,
that is, if they survive so long,
that is, if they survive so long,
that is, if they survive so long,
but they will probably have lost their elasticity and desire to travel by
that time. This spending of the best part of one’s life earning money in order to
enjoy a questionable liberty during the least valuable part
of it,
of it,
of it,
of it,
reminds me of the Englishman
who went to India to make a
fortune first, in order that he might return to England and live the life of a
poet. He should have gone up garret at once.
But
But
But
“What!”
“What!”
“What!”
exclaim a million Irishmen starting up from all the shanties in the
land, spade in hand,
land, spade in hand,
land, spade in hand,
land,
land,
land,
“is not this railroad which we have built a good thing?” Yes, I answer,
comparatively
good,
that is, you might have done worse;
that is, you might have done worse;
that is, you might have done worse;
that is, you might have done worse;
that is, you might have done worse;
but I wish,
as you are brothers of mine,
as you are brothers of mine,
as you are brothers of mine,
as you are brothers of mine,
as you are brothers of mine,
as you are brothers of mine,
that you could have spent your time better than digging in this dirt.
Before I finished my house,
r
Revision note: A1:
wishing to earn 10 or 12 dollars during the season, by some
simple honest & agreeable method, in order to meet my
unusual expenses,
wishing to earn ten or twelve dollars by some honest and agreeable method,
in order to meet my unusual expenses,
wishing to earn ten or twelve dollars by some honest and agreeable method,
in order to meet my unusual expenses,
wishing to earn ten or twelve dollars by some honest and agreeable method,
in order to meet my unusual expenses,
wishing to earn ten or twelve dollars by some honest and agreeable method,
in order to meet my unusual expenses,
wishing to earn ten or twelve dollars by some honest and agreeable method,
in order to meet my unusual expenses,
wishing to earn ten or twelve dollars by some honest and agreeable method,
in order to meet my unusual expenses,
I planted
about two acres and a half of light and sandy soil near it chiefly with beans,
r
Revision note: A1: though I had a small patch of potatoes and corn, and a
few turnips beside.
though I had a small patch of potatoes and corn, and a
few turnips beside.
though I had a small patch of
but also a small part with potatoes and
a little
corn, peas and a few turnips
beside.
but also a small part with potatoes, corn, peas, and turnips.
but also a small part with potatoes, corn, peas, and turnips.
but also a small part with potatoes, corn, peas, and turnips.
but also a small part with potatoes, corn, peas, and turnips.
but also a small part with potatoes, corn, peas, and turnips.
but also a small part with potatoes, corn, peas, and turnips.
The whole lot contains eleven acres, mostly growing up to pines and
hickories, and was sold
the preceding
season for eight dollars and eight cents an acre. One farmer said
that
that
that
that
that
that
that
it was “good for nothing but to raise cheeping squirrels on.”
r
Revision note: A1: Upon this land I put no manure nor any quickener
whatever,
Upon this land I put no manure nor any quickener
whatever,
Upon this land I put no manure whatever
on this land,
I put no manure on this land,
I put no manure on this land,
I put no manure on this land,
I put no manure on this land,
I put no manure on this land,
I put no manure on this land,
not being the owner,
nor
but merely a squatter and not
but merely a squatter, and not
but merely a squatter, and not
but merely a squatter, and not
but merely a squatter, and not
but merely a squatter, and not
but merely a squatter, and not
but merely a squatter, and not
expecting to cultivate so much again,
and I
and I
and I
and I
and I
and I
and I
and I
did not quite hoe it all
once. I know that you have no room
for beans to grow in Salem but even you may like to know where they come
from
once. I know that you have no room
for beans to grow in Portland but even you may like to know where they
come from.
once.
once.
once.
once.
once.
once.
I got out several cords of stumps in ploughing, which supplied me with fuel
for a long time, and left small
rings
rings
circles
circles
circles
circles
circles
circles
circles
of virgin mould, easily
distinguished
distinguished
distinguishable
distinguishable
distinguishable
distinguishable
distinguishable
distinguishable
distinguishable
through the summer by the greater luxuriance of the beans there.
The dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house, and
the driftwood from the pond,
The dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house, and
the driftwood from the pond,
The dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house, and
the driftwood from the pond,
The dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house, and
the driftwood from the pond,
The dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house, and
the driftwood from the pond,
The dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house, and
the driftwood from the pond,
The dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house, and
the driftwood from the pond,
The dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house, and
the driftwood from the pond,
have supplied had supplied
supplied
been
have supplied
have supplied
have supplied
have supplied
have supplied
have supplied
the remainder of my fuel.
the remainder of my fuel.
the remainder of my fuel.
the remainder of my fuel.
the remainder of my fuel.
the remainder of my fuel.
the remainder of my fuel.
the remainder of my fuel.
I
had to
had
was obliged to
was obliged to
was obliged to
was obliged to
was obliged to
was obliged to
was obliged to
hire a team and a man for the ploughing, though I held the plough
for the most part myself.
for the most part myself.
myself.
myself.
myself.
myself.
myself.
myself.
My farm outgoes
for the first season
for the first season
for the first season
for the first season
for the first season
for the first season
for the first season
were,
for implements, seed, work, &c, $14 72½.
for implements, seed, work, &c, $14 72½.
for implements, seed, work, &c, $14 72½.
for implements, seed, work, &c, $14 72½.
The seed corn was given me. This never costs any thing to speak of, unless
you plant more than enough.
I got twelve bushels of beans, and eighteen bushels of potatoes, beside
some peas and
green
green
sweet
sweet
sweet
sweet
sweet
sweet
sweet
corn. The yellow corn and turnips were too late to come to any thing. My
whole income from the farm
was as follows
was
was
was
was
was
was
was
net profit, not counting my labor 8.71½.
|
$23 44. |
| Deducting the outgoes, |
14 72½ |
| there are left, |
$ 8 71½, |
|
$23 44. |
| Deducting the outgoes, |
14 72½ |
| there are left, |
$ 8 71½, |
|
$23 44. |
| Deducting the outgoes, |
14 72½ |
| there are left, |
$ 8 71½, |
|
$23 44. |
| Deducting the outgoes, |
14 72½ |
| there are left, |
$ 8 71½, |
|
$23 44. |
| Deducting the outgoes, |
14 72½ |
| there are left, |
$ 8 71½, |
|
$23 44. |
| Deducting the outgoes, |
14 72½ |
| there are left, |
$ 8 71½, |
|
$23 44. |
| Deducting the outgoes, |
14 72½ |
| there are left, |
$ 8 71½, |
beside produce consumed and on hand at the time this estimate was made
to the amount of
of the value
of the value
of the value
of the value
of the value
of the value
of the value
of $4 50,—
which added to the last, makes the whole profit 13.21½ And
The produce on hand will much more balance the
grass which I did not raise
the amount on hand much more than balancing the
grass which I did not raise.
which added to the last, makes the whole profit 13.21½ And
The produce on hand will much more balance the
grass which I did not raise
the amount on hand much more than balancing the
grass which I did not raise.
which added to the last, makes the whole profit 13.21½ And
The produce on hand will much more balance the
grass which I did not raise
the amount on hand much more than balancing the
grass which I did not raise.
the amount on hand much more than balancing a little grass which I did not
raise.
the amount on hand much more than balancing a little grass which I did not
raise.
the amount on hand much more than balancing a little grass which I did not
raise.
the amount on hand much more than balancing a little grass which I did not
raise.
the amount on hand much more than balancing a little grass which I did not
raise.
All things considered, that is, considering the importance of a man’s soul
and of to-day, notwithstanding the short time
contemplated
occupied
contemplated
occupied
contemplated
occupied
occupied
occupied
occupied
occupied
occupied
by my experiment, nay, partly even because of its transient character, I
believe that that was doing better than any farmer in Concord did that year.
The next year I did better still, for I spaded up all the land which I
required,
or about
about
about
about
about
about
a third of an acre,
and
I learned from the experience of both years, not being in the least
detained
awed
awed
awed
awed
awed
awed
by many celebrated works on husbandry,
Arthur Young among
the rest,
Arthur Young among
the rest,
Arthur Young among
the rest,
Arthur Young among
the rest,
Arthur Young among
the rest,
that if one would live simply and eat only the crop which he raised, and raise
no more than he ate, and not exchange it for an insufficient quantity of more
luxurious and expensive things, he would need to cultivate only a few rods of ground,
and that it would be cheaper to spade up that than to use oxen to plough it, and to
select a fresh spot
from time to time
from time to time
from time to time
from time to time
from time to time
from time to time
than
to manure the old, and he could do all his necessary farm work as it were
with his left hand at odd hours in the summer; and thus he would not be tied to
a cow’s or pig’s or horse’s tail
a cow or pig or horse,
an ox, or horse, or cow, or pig,
an ox, or horse, or cow, or pig,
an ox, or horse, or cow, or pig,
an ox, or horse, or cow, or pig,
an ox, or horse, or cow, or pig,
as at present.
I desire to speak impartially on this point, and as one
not interested in the success or failure of the present economical and
social arrangements.
I desire to speak impartially on this point, and as one not interested in
the success or failure of the present economical and social arrangements.
I desire to speak impartially on this point, and as one not interested in
the success or failure of the present economical and social arrangements.
I desire to speak impartially on this point, and as one not interested in
the success or failure of the present economical and social arrangements.
I desire to speak impartially on this point, and as one not interested in
the success or failure of the present economical and social arrangements.
I desire to speak impartially on this point, and as one not interested in
the success or failure of the present economical and social arrangements.
I was more independent than any farmer in Concord, for I was not anchored to a
house or farm, but
I could
could
could
could
could
could
follow the bent of my genius,
which is a very crooked one,
which is a very crooked one,
which is a very crooked one,
which is a very crooked one,
which is a very crooked one,
which is a very crooked one,
every moment. Beside
that I was
being
being
being
being
being
being
better off than they already, if my house had been burned or my crops had
failed, I should have been nearly as well off as before.
Perhaps Men
I am wont to think that men
I am wont to think that men
I am wont to think that men
I am wont to think that men
I am wont to think that men
are not so much the keepers of herds as herds are the keepers of men,
the former are so much the freer. Men and oxen
exchange work; but if we consider necessary work only, the oxen will be seen to
have greatly the advantage, their farm is so much the
largest.
larger.
larger.
larger.
larger.
larger.
Man does some of his part of the exchange work in his six weeks of haying,
and it is no boy’s play.
Man does some of his part of the exchange work in his six weeks of haying,
and it is no boy’s play.
Man does some of his part of the exchange work in his six weeks of haying,
and it is no boy’s play.
Man does some of his part of the exchange work in his six weeks of haying,
and it is no boy’s play.
Man does some of his part of the exchange work in his six weeks of haying,
and it is no boy’s play.
Certainly
Certainly
Certainly
Certainly
Certainly
Certainly
no nation that lived simply
in all respects,
in all respects,
in all respects,
in all respects,
in all respects,
in all respects,
that is, no nation of philosophers, would commit so great a blunder as to
use the labor of animals.
But
True,
True,
True,
True,
True,
there never was and is not likely soon to be a nation of philosophers, nor
am I
certain that
certain
certain
certain
certain
it is desirable that there should be. However, I should never have broken a
horse
or bull
or bull
or bull
or bull
and taken him to board for any work he might do for me,
for fear I should become a horse-man or a herds-man merely;
for fear I should become a horse-man or a herds-man merely;
for fear I should become a horse-man or a herds-man merely;
for fear I should become a horse-man or a herds-man merely;
and if society seems to be the gainer by so doing, are we certain that what
is one man’s gain is not another’s loss,
and that the stable-boy has equal cause
to be satisfied with his master?to be
satisfied?
with his master to be satisfied?
with his master to be satisfied?
with his master to be satisfied?
with his master to be satisfied?
Granted that some public works
could
would
would
would
would
would
not have been constructed without this aid, and let man share the glory of
such with the ox and horse; does it follow that he could
not have accomplished
works yet more worthy of himself
in that case
without them?
in that case?
in that case?
in that case?
in that case?
When men begin to do,
unnecessary & luxurious work with this aid, it is
indispensable that a few should
unnecessary & luxurious work with this aid, it is indispensable
that a few should
not merely unnecessary or artistic but luxurious
& idle work with their assistance, it is inevitable that a few
not merely unnecessary or artistic, but luxurious and idle work, with
their assistance, it is inevitable that a few
not merely unnecessary or artistic, but luxurious and idle work, with
their assistance, it is inevitable that a few
not merely unnecessary or artistic, but luxurious and idle work, with
their assistance, it is inevitable that a few
not merely unnecessary or artistic, but luxurious and idle work, with
their assistance, it is inevitable that a few
do all the exchange work with the oxen, or, in other words, become the
slaves of the strongest.
Man not only works for the animal within him, but, for a symbol of this
kind of labor he works for the animal without him.
Man thus not only works for the
animal within him, but for a symbol of this he works for the animal without
him.Absolutely speaking that is not a high
civilization which permits only one artist to a hundred thousand
artisans. Nor can he be an artist of a very high order who uses men as
beasts. From a very common point of view, the so called great works of
the world—the Pyramids & Parthenons—of which I think we have heard
enough for the present—the St. Peters & St. Paulses—the Thames
tunnels & the tubular bridges, the Roman roads & the American
railroads affect me
proportionally
in their degree like those ancient
Mexican
Peruvian temples & roads—in which men were
used like beasts. They all are barbaric and so far as I am concerned
xxxx them all. Whither does a road lead that goes over
a man at the commencement
outset.
Man thus not only works for the animal within him, but, for a symbol of
this, he works for the animal without him.
Man thus not only works for the animal within him, but, for a symbol of
this, he works for the animal without him.
Man thus not only works for the animal within him, but, for a symbol of
this, he works for the animal without him.
Man thus not only works for the animal within him, but, for a symbol of
this, he works for the animal without him.
r
Revision note: G1: Generally, indeed,
Though
If we have many substantial houses of brick or
stone,
Though we have many substantial houses of brick or stone,
the prosperity of the farmer is still measured by the degree to which the
barn overshadows the
house. Our barns are better ventilated, and
generally
commonly of a style of architecture superior to that of our
houses.
house.
Concord
This town
is said to have the largest
r
Revision note: G1: barns, or houses
barns houses
houses
for oxen cows and horses
in Middlesex County,
hereabouts,
r
Revision note: G1:
we are
it is not behindhand in its public buildings;
and it is not behindhand in its public buildings;
Yet
but
there are very few halls for free worship or free speech
in this
county. Very common is the love of oxen and horses, and
gentlemen farmers are ambitious to raise calves rather than men
county.
It should not be by their architecture, but why not even by their power of
abstract thought, that nations should seek to commemorate themselves? How much
more admirable the Bhagvat-Geeta
than all the ruins of the East! Towers and temples are the luxury of princes. 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.
to more than
except to a trifling extent.
except to a trifling extent.
except to a trifling extent.
except to a trifling extent.
except to a trifling extent.
To what end, pray, is so much stone hammered?
In Arcadia, when I was there, I did not see any hammering
stone.
In Arcadia, when I was there, I did not see any hammering stone.
In Arcadia, when I was there, I did not see any hammering stone.
In Arcadia, when I was there, I did not see any hammering stone.
In Arcadia, when I was there, I did not see any hammering stone.
As if nations were formed
Nations are possessed
Nations are possessed
Nations are possessed
Nations are possessed
with an insane ambition to perpetuate the memory of themselves by the
amount of hammered stone they leave. What if equal pains were taken to smooth and
polish their manners? One piece of good sense would be more memorable than a
monument as high as the moon. I love better to see stones in place. The grandeur
of Thebes
was a vulgar grandeur. More
sensible is a rod of stone wall
that bounds an honest man’s field than a hundred-gated Thebes
that has wandered farther from the true end of life.
The religion and civilization
which are barbaric and heathenish build splendid temples; but what you
may
might
might
might
might
might
call Christianity does not.
All
Most of
Most of
Most of
Most of
Most of
the stone a nation hammers goes toward its tomb only. It buries itself
alive. As for the Pyramids,
I see
there is
there is
there is
there is
there is
nothing to wonder at in them so much as the fact that so many men could be
found degraded
as
enough
enough
enough
enough
enough
to spend their lives constructing a tomb for some ambitious booby, whom it
would have been wiser and manlier to have drowned in the Nile, and then given his
body to the dogs. I might possibly invent some excuse for them and
for him,
him,
him,
him,
him,
but I have no time for it. As for the religion and love of art of the
builders, it is much the same all the world over, whether the building be an
Egyptian temple or the United States Bank.
It costs more than it comes to. The
mainspring is vanity, assisted by the love of garlic and bread and butter. Mr.
Balcom,
a promising young architect,
designs it on the back of his Vitruvius,
with hard pencil and ruler, and the
job is let out to Dobson & Sons,
stonecutters. When the thirty
centuries
begin to look down on it, mankind begin to look up at it. As for
your high towers and monuments, there was a crazy fellow once in this town who
undertook to dig through to China,
and he got so far that, as he
said, he heard the Chinese pots and kettles rattle; but I think that I shall not
go out of my way to admire the hole which he made.
Many are concerned about the monuments of the West and the East,—to know
who built them. For my part, I should like to know who in those days did not
build them,—who were above such trifling.
Many are concerned about the monuments of the West and the East,—to know
who built them. For my part, I should like to know who in those days did not
build them,—who were above such trifling.
Many are concerned about the monuments of the West and the East,—to know
who built them. For my part, I should like to know who in those days did not
build them,—who were above such trifling.
Many are concerned about the monuments of the West and the East,—to know
who built them. For my part, I should like to know who in those days did not
build them,—who were above such trifling.
But to proceed with my statistics.
By surveying, carpentry, and day-labor
in the village
in the village
in the village of various kinds
of various other kinds in the village of
various other kinds
of various other kinds in the village
of various other kinds in the village
of various other kinds in the village
of various other kinds in the village
in the mean while,
for I have as many trades as fingers,
for I have as many trades as fingers,
for I have as many trades as fingers,
for I have as many trades as fingers,
I had earned $13 34.
The expense of food for eight months, namely,
excepting potatoes and a few peas which I had raised,—for 8
months, from July 4 to March 1 the time when this was written
estimate was made, though I have lived there nearly
more than 2 years—not counting
excepting potatoes and a few
little corn & peas which I had raised, for
eight months, from July 4 to March 1, the time when
all these estimates were made—though I have now lived there more than
two years, not counting
not counting potatoes, a little corn & some peas which I had
raised, for eight months namely from
July 4 to March 1, the time when these estimates were made,
though I have now lived there more than two years, not counting potatoes, a little green corn & some peas which I had
raised, nor considering
from July 4th to March 1st, the time when these estimates were made, though I
lived there more than two years,—not counting potatoes, a little green corn,
and some peas, which I had raised, nor considering
from July 4th to March 1st, the time when these estimates were made, though I
lived there more than two years,—not counting potatoes, a little green corn,
and some peas, which I had raised, nor considering
from July 4th to March 1st, the time when these estimates were made, though I
lived there more than two years,—not counting potatoes, a little green corn,
and some peas, which I had raised, nor considering
from July 4th to March 1st, the time when these estimates were made, though I
lived there more than two years,—not counting potatoes, a little green corn,
and some peas, which I had raised, nor considering
from July 4th to March 1st, the time when these estimates were made, though I
lived there more than two years,—not counting potatoes, a little green corn,
and some peas, which I had raised, nor considering
the value of what was on hand at the last
date, wasAnd now we come to something which may offend
readers of refined taste. But if I shall have the honor to attract any who
abstain from the vulgar practices of eating drinking & sleeping, I warn
them
to skip this page
not to look at that page of my journal which contains a
complete list—such a list methinks as is nowhere described in
history—of those articles of food which I consumed during that time
date—was—and now I come to something which may offend n
Note: space left blank during original
copying (R. Clapper)
persons
of refined taste
some tastes but if I n
Note: space left blank during original copying (R. Clapper)
have the honor to n
Note: space left blank during original copying (R. Clapper)
address any who abstain wholly from the vulgar
practices of eating, drinking, and sleeping I warn them not to look at that
page in my journal which contains an accurate list—such a list methinks as is
nowhere in history—of the articles of food which I consumed during that
time
date, was
date, was
date, was
date, was
date, was
date, was
|
Rice,
|
$1 73½
|
|
|
Molasses,
|
1 73
|
Cheapest form of the saccharine.
|
|
Rye meal,
|
1 04¾
|
|
|
Indian meal,
|
0 99¾
|
Cheaper than rye.
|
|
Pork,
|
0 22
|
|
|
Flour,
|
0 88
|
} Costs more than Indian meal, both money and trouble.*
|
|
Sugar,
|
0 80
|
*
|
|
Lard,
|
0 65
|
*
|
|
Apples,
|
0 25
|
*
|
|
Dried apple,
|
0 22
|
*
|
|
Sweet potatoes,
|
0 10
|
*
|
|
One pumpkin,
|
0 6
|
*
|
|
One watermelon
|
0 2
|
*
|
|
Salt,
|
0 3
|
*All experiments which failed.
|
Yes, I did eat $8 74,
all told;
but
but
but
but
but
but
I should not thus unblushingly publish my guilt, if I
did not know that most of my readers were
had not reason to suppose that many others
did not know that most of my readers are
did not know that most of my readers were
did not know that most of my readers were
did not know that most of my readers were
did not know that most of my readers were
did not know that most of my readers were
equally guilty with myself, and that their deeds would look no better in
print.
The next year I sometimes caught a mess of fish for my dinner, and once I
went so far as to slaughter
even slaughtered
went so far as to slaughter
went so far as to slaughter
went so far as to slaughter
went so far as to slaughter
went so far as to slaughter
went so far as to slaughter
went so far as to slaughter
went so far as to slaughter
a woodchuck
which ravaged my bean-field,—
effect his transmigration, as a Tartar
would say,
effect his transmigration, as a Tartar
would say,
effect his transmigration, as a Tartar
would say,
effect his transmigration, as a Tartar
would say,
effect his transmigration, as a Tartar
would say,
—and devour him,
partly
partly
partly
partly
partly
partly
for experiment’s sake;
but though it afforded me a momentary enjoyment,
but though it afforded me a momentary enjoyment,
but though it afforded me a momentary enjoyment,
but though it afforded me a momentary enjoyment,
but though it afforded me a momentary enjoyment,
but though it afforded me a momentary enjoyment,
but though it afforded me a momentary enjoyment,
notwithstanding a musky flavor, it being an old one
notwithstanding a musky flavor,
notwithstanding a musky flavor,
notwithstanding a musky flavor,
notwithstanding a musky flavor,
notwithstanding a musky flavor,
I saw that the longest use would not make that a good practice,
however it might seem to have your woodchucks ready dressed by the village
butcher.
however it might seem to have your woodchucks ready dressed by the village
butcher.
however it might seem to have your woodchucks ready dressed by the village
butcher.
however it might seem to have your woodchucks ready dressed by the village
butcher.
however it might seem to have your woodchucks ready dressed by the village
butcher.
however it might seem to have your woodchucks ready dressed by the village
butcher.
however it might seem to have your woodchucks ready dressed by the village
butcher.
Clothing and some incidental expenses within the
same dates,
though little can be inferred from this
item,
though little can be inferred from this item,
though little can be inferred from this item,
though little can be inferred from this item,
though little can be inferred from this item,
though little can be inferred from this item,
though little can be inferred from this item,
amounted to
|
$8 40¾
|
|
Oil and some household utensils,
|
2 00
|
So that
the whole
all the
all the
all the
all the
all the
all the
all the
pecuniary outgoes, excepting for washing and mending, which for the most
part, as we say,
part, as we say,
part, as we say,
part
part
part
part
part
were done out of the house, and their bills
have not
yet
yet
yet
yet
yet
yet
yet
yet
been received,—
for
& these are all the ways by which money necessarily goes out in
this part of the world,
and these are all and more than all the ways by which money necessarily goes
out in this part of the world,
and these are all and more than all the ways by which money necessarily goes
out in this part of the world,
and these are all and more than all the ways by which money necessarily goes
out in this part of the world,
and these are all and more than all the ways by which money necessarily goes
out in this part of the world,
and these are all and more than all the ways by which money necessarily goes
out in this part of the world,
|
House,
|
$28 12½
|
|
Farm
one year,
one year,
one year,
one year,
one year,
one year,
one year,
|
14 17½
|
|
Food
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
|
8 74
|
|
Clothing, &c.,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
eight months,
|
8 40¾
|
|
Oil, &c., eight months
|
2 00
|
|
In all,
|
$
60.99¾
60.99¾
60.99¾
61 99¾
61 99¾
61 99¾
61 99¾
61 99¾
61 99¾
|
I am thus particular because possibly some of my
hearers may have a living to get.
I am thus particular because, possibly, some
probably many of myn
Note: space left blank during original copying (R. Clapper)
readers
may have a living to get
I am thus particular because the greater part
no doubt many of my readers
hearers have a living to get. I speak
address myself now to those of my readers only
who have their livings to get
I address myself now to those of my readers who have a living to get.
I address myself now to those of my readers who have a living to get.
I address myself now to those of my readers who have a living to get.
I address myself now to those of my readers who have a living to get.
I address myself now to those of my readers who have a living to get.
And to meet this I have for farm produce sold
|
$
sold 23.44 on hand 4.50
27.94
27.94
27.94
23 44
23 44
23 44
23 44
23 44
23 44
|
|
Earned by day-labor,
|
13 34
|
|
In all,
|
$
41.28
41.28
41.28
36.78
36 78
36 78
36 78
36 78
36 78
|
which subtracted from the sum of the outgoes leaves a balance of $25 21¾
19.71¾
19.71¾
20.71¾
25.21¾
25 21 ¾,
25 21 ¾,
25 21 ¾,
25 21 ¾,
25 21 ¾,
on the one side,—
and on the other, beside the leisure & independence &
health thus secured, a comfortable house for me as long as I choose to occupy
it,—the 19.71¾ cents being the exact capital
means with which I started and measure of expenses to be
incurred.
and on the other, beside the leisure & independence &
health thus secured, a comfortable house for me as long as I choose to occupy
it,—the 19.71¾ cents being the exact capital
means with which I started and measure of expenses to be
incurred.
and on the other, beside the leisure & independence & health thus
secured, a comfortable house for me as long as I choose to occupy it.—The
20.71¾ cents being the exact
this being very nearly the means with which I
started, and the measure of expenses to be incurred and on the other,
beside the leisure & independence & health thus secured, a
comfortable house for me as long as I choose to occupy it.
this being very nearly the means with which I started, and the measure of
expenses to be incurred,—and on the other, beside the leisure and independence
and health thus secured, a comfortable house for me as long as I choose to
occupy it.
this being very nearly the means with which I started, and the measure of
expenses to be incurred,—and on the other, beside the leisure and independence
and health thus secured, a comfortable house for me as long as I choose to
occupy it.
this being very nearly the means with which I started, and the measure of
expenses to be incurred,—and on the other, beside the leisure and independence
and health thus secured, a comfortable house for me as long as I choose to
occupy it.
this being very nearly the means with which I started, and the measure of
expenses to be incurred,—and on the other, beside the leisure and independence
and health thus secured, a comfortable house for me as long as I choose to
occupy it.
this being very nearly the means with which I started, and the measure of
expenses to be incurred,—and on the other, beside the leisure and independence
and health thus secured, a comfortable house for me as long as I choose to
occupy it.
These I am confident that these
These I am confident that these
These I am confident that these
These
These
These
These
These
statistics, however accidental and therefore uninstructive they may appear, as
they have a certain completeness, have a certain value also. Nothing was given me
of
which I have not rendered
some
an
some
some
an
some
some
an
some
some
some
some
some
some
account. It appears from the above estimate, that my food
alone cost me
in money
in money
in money
in money
in money
in money
about twenty-seven cents a week. It
consists at present of,
consists at present of,
was, after the experiments which I have mentioned—or
for
the last
nearly two years
was, for nearly two years after this,
was, for nearly two years after this,
was, for nearly two years after this,
was, for nearly two years after this,
was, for nearly two years after this,
rye and Indian meal without yeast, potatoes, rice, a very little salt pork,
molasses, and salt, and my drink water.
It was fit that I should live on rice, mainly, who
loved so well the philosophy of India. To meet the objections of some
inveterate cavillers, I may as well state, that if I dined out occasionally,
as I always had done, and I trust shall have opportunities to do again, it
was frequently to the detriment of my domestic arrangements. But the dining
out, being, as I have stated, a constant element, does not in the least
affect a comparative statement like this. Some inveterate cavillers
have loved to suggest that I took half my meals at my father’s house & elsewhere, but I solemnly
here affirm that I did not dine out oftener than
any tolerably social but equally domestic man might be expected to & when I did it was frequently to the detriment of my
domestic arrangements.
It was fit that I should live on rice, mainly, who
loved so well the philosophy of India. To meet the objections of some
inveterate cavillers, I may as well state, that if I dined out occasionally,
as I always had done, and I trust shall have opportunities to do again, it
was frequently to the detriment of my domestic arrangements. But the dining
out, being, as I have stated, a constant element, does not in the least
affect a comparative statement like this. Some inveterate cavillers
have loved to suggest that I took half my meals at my father’s house & elsewhere, but I solemnly
here affirm that I did not dine out oftener than
any tolerably social but equally domestic man might be expected to & when I did it was frequently to the detriment of my
domestic arrangements.
Some inveterate cavillers have loved to suggest that I took half my meals
at my father’s house & elsewhere, but I here affirm that I did not dine
out oftener than any tolerably social but equally domestic man might be
expected to, and when I did it was frequently to the detriment of my
domestic arrangements
To meet the objections of some inveterate cavillers I may as well state
that if I dined out occasionally as I always had done, and I trust shall
have opportunities to do again, it was frequently to the detriment of my
domestic arrangements. But the dining out being as I have stated a constant
element does not in the least affect a comparative statement like
this.
It was fit that I should live on rice, mainly, who loved so well the
philosophy of India. To meet the objections of some inveterate cavillers, I may as well state, that if I dined out occasionally, as I
always had done, and I trust shall have opportunities to do again, it was
frequently to the detriment of my domestic arrangements. But the dining out,
being, as I have stated, a constant element, does not in the least affect a
comparative statement like this.
It was fit that I should live on rice, mainly, who loved so well the
philosophy of India. To meet the objections of some inveterate cavillers, I may as well state, that if I dined out occasionally, as I
always had done, and I trust shall have opportunities to do again, it was
frequently to the detriment of my domestic arrangements. But the dining out,
being, as I have stated, a constant element, does not in the least affect a
comparative statement like this.
It was fit that I should live on rice, mainly, who loved so well the
philosophy of India. To meet the objections of some inveterate cavillers, I may as well state, that if I dined out occasionally, as I
always had done, and I trust shall have opportunities to do again, it was
frequently to the detriment of my domestic arrangements. But the dining out,
being, as I have stated, a constant element, does not in the least affect a
comparative statement like this.
It was fit that I should live on rice, mainly, who loved so well the
philosophy of India. To meet the objections of some inveterate cavillers, I may as well state, that if I dined out occasionally, as I
always had done, and I trust shall have opportunities to do again, it was
frequently to the detriment of my domestic arrangements. But the dining out,
being, as I have stated, a constant element, does not in the least affect a
comparative statement like this.
It was fit that I should live on rice, mainly, who loved so well the
philosophy of India. To meet the objections of some inveterate cavillers, I may as well state, that if I dined out occasionally, as I
always had done, and I trust shall have opportunities to do again, it was
frequently to the detriment of my domestic arrangements. But the dining out,
being, as I have stated, a constant element, does not in the least affect a
comparative statement like this.
From my experiment during two years I discovered that it will
cost man
I learned from my two years’ experience that it would cost
I learned from my two years’ experience that it would cost
I learned from my two years’ experience that it would cost
I learned from my two years’ experience that it would cost
I learned from my two years’ experience that it would cost
I learned from my two years’ experience that it would cost
incredibly little trouble to obtain one’s necessary food, even in this
zone. I am satisfied
latitude;
latitude;
latitude;
latitude;
latitude;
latitude;
that a man may use as simple a diet
as the animals, and yet retain
his health
his health
health
health
health
health
health
and
strength. He does not require a variety of food
more.
strength.
strength.
strength.
strength.
strength.
strength.
I have made a satisfactory dinner, satisfactory on several accounts,
simply off a
large dish
dish
dish
dish
of purslane
(
Portulaca oleracea
) which I
gathered in my cornfield, boiled and salted. I give the Latin on account of the
savoriness of the trivial name.
And pray what
more can a reasonable man desire, in peaceful times, in ordinary noons, than a
sufficient number of ears of green sweet-corn boiled, with the addition of salt?
Even the
very little
little
little
little
little
little
little
variety which I used was a yielding to the demands of appetite, and not of
health.
But so blind in respecting our true wants and difficulties
that men
Yet we
men have come to such a pass that men
they
Yet men have come to such a pass that they
Yet men have come to such a pass that they
Yet men have come to such a pass that they
Yet men have come to such a pass that they
Yet men have come to such a pass that they
frequently starve, not for want of necessaries, but for want of luxuries;
I know a robust and hardy mother who thinks that her
son who died abroad came to his end by living too low, as she has since
learned that he drank only water. I heard of a very poor family in Concord
this winter which would have starved if it had not been for potatoes—and tea
and coffee.
I know a robust and hardy mother who thinks that her
son who died abroad came to his end by living too low, as she has since
learned that he drank only water. I heard of a very poor family in Concord
this winter which would have starved if it had not been for potatoes—and tea
and coffee.
I know a robust mother who thinks
told me that she thought that her son who died abroad came to his
end by living too low, as
since she has heard that he drank only
for a long time his only drink was water.
and I know a good woman who thinks that her son lost his life because he
took to drinking water only.
and I know a good woman who thinks that her son lost his life because he
took to drinking water only.
and I know a good woman who thinks that her son lost his life because he
took to drinking water only.
and I know a good woman who thinks that her son lost his life because he
took to drinking water only.
and I know a good woman who thinks that her son lost his life because he
took to drinking water only.
The reader will perceive that I am treating the subject rather from an
economic than a dietetic point of view, and he will not venture to put my
abstemiousness to the test unless he has a well-stocked larder.
Bread I at first made of pure Indian meal and salt,
genuine hoe-cakes,
which I
baked before my fire out of doors
upon
on
on
on
on
on
on
on
a shingle or the end of a stick of timber sawed off in building my house;
but it was
apt
wont
wont
wont
wont
wont
wont
wont
wont
to get smoked and to have a piny flavor. I tried flour also; but have at
last found a mixture of rye and Indian meal most convenient and agreeable. In cold
weather it was no
small
little
little
little
little
little
little
little
amusement to bake several small loaves of this in succession, tending and
turning them as carefully as an Egyptian his hatching eggs.
They had to my senses a fragrance like manna—a real cereal fruit which
I ripened
It was
They were a real cereal fruit which I
ripened & They had to my senses a
fragrance like the fruits
They had to my senses a fragrance like manna—a real cereal fruit which
I ripened
It was
They were a real cereal fruit which I
ripened & They had to my senses a
fragrance like the fruits
They had to my senses a fragrance like manna—a real cereal fruit which
I ripened
It was
They were a real cereal fruit which I
ripened & They had to my senses a
fragrance like the fruits
They had to my senses a fragrance like manna—a real cereal fruit which
I ripened
It was
They were a real cereal fruit which I
ripened & They had to my senses a
fragrance like the fruits
They were a real cereal fruit which I ripened, and they had
to my senses a fragrance like the
that of other noble fruits
They were a real cereal fruit which I ripened, and they had to my senses a
fragrance like that of other noble fruits,
They were a real cereal fruit which I ripened, and they had to my senses a
fragrance like that of other noble fruits,
They were a real cereal fruit which I ripened, and they had to my senses a
fragrance like that of other noble fruits,
which I kept in as long as possible by wrapping them in cloths. I made a
study of
the various processes of this indispensable and
ancient
the indispensable & ancient
the ancient & indispensable
the ancient and indispensable
the ancient and indispensable
the ancient and indispensable
the ancient and indispensable
the ancient and indispensable
the ancient and indispensable
the ancient and indispensable
art of bread-making, consulting such authorities as offered, going back to
the primitive days and first invention of the unleavened kind, when from the
wildness of nuts and meats men first reached the
innocence
mildness and refinement as well as
innocence of this diet, and coming
reading gradually down
mildness and refinement of this diet, and travelling gradually down in my
studies
mildness and refinement of this diet, and travelling gradually down in my
studies
mildness and refinement of this diet, and travelling gradually down in my
studies
mildness and refinement of this diet, and travelling gradually down in my
studies
mildness and refinement of this diet, and travelling gradually down in my
studies
mildness and refinement of this diet, and travelling gradually down in my
studies
mildness and refinement of this diet, and travelling gradually down in my
studies
through that accidental souring of the dough which,
it is supposed,
it is supposed,
it is supposed,
it is supposed,
it is supposed,
it is supposed,
it is supposed,
it is supposed,
taught the leavening process, and
through
through
through
through
through
through
through
the various fermentations thereafter, till
you come
I came
I came
I came
I came
I came
I came
I came
I came
to “good, sweet, wholesome bread,” the staff of life.
Leaven, which some deem the soul of bread, the
spiritus
which fills its cellular tissue, which is
religiously preserved like the vestal fire,
—some precious bottle-full, I
presume
suppose
suppose,
suppose,
suppose,
suppose,
suppose,
suppose,
suppose,
first brought over in the Mayflower, did the business for America, and its
influence is still rising, swelling, spreading, in cerealian
billows over the land,—this seed I regularly and
faithfully procured from the village, till at length one morning I forgot the
rules, and scalded my yeast; by which accident I discovered that even this was not
indispensable,—for my discoveries were not by the synthetic but analytic
process,—and I have gladly
omitted it since, though most housewives earnestly
assured me that safe and wholesome bread without yeast might not be, and elderly
people prophesied a speedy
period to
decay of the vital functions
forces.
decay of the vital forces.
decay of the vital forces.
decay of the vital forces.
decay of the vital forces.
decay of the vital forces.
decay of the vital forces.
decay of the vital forces.
Yet I find it not to be an essential ingredient, and after going without it
for a year am still in the land of the living; and I am glad to escape the
trivialness of carrying a bottle-full in my pocket, which would sometimes pop and
discharge its contents to my discomfiture. It is simpler and more respectable to
omit it. Man is an animal
that
who
that
who
who
who
who
who
who
who
more than any other can adapt himself to all climates and circumstances.
Neither did I put any sal soda, or acid or alkali
into my bread.
Neither did I put any sal soda, or acid
or alkali into my bread.
Neither did I put any sal soda, or acid
or alkali into my bread.
Neither did I put any sal soda, or acid
or alkali into my bread.
Neither did I put any sal soda, or acid
or alkali into my bread.
Neither did I put any sal soda, or acid
or alkali into my bread.
It would seem that I made
bread
it
it
according to the recipe which
Marcus Porcius Cato has given
gave about two centuries before Christ.
Marcus Porcius Cato gave about two centuries
before Christ.
“Panem depsticium sic facito. Manus mortariumque bene lavato. Farinam in
mortarium indito, aquæ paulatim addito, subigitoque pulchre. Ubi bene subegeris,
defingito, coquitoque sub testu.”
Which I take to mean
Which I take to mean
—“Make kneaded bread thus. Wash your hands and trough well. Put the meal
into the trough, add water
little by little
gradually,
gradually,
and knead it thoroughly. When you have kneaded it well, mould it, and bake
it under a cover,” that is, in a baking-kettle. Not a word about leaven. But I did
not always use this staff of life. At one time, owing to the emptiness of my
purse, I saw none of it for more than a month.
Every New Englander might easily raise all his
own
own
own
own
own
own
own
own
breadstuffs in this land of rye and Indian corn, and not depend
upon
upon
on
on
on
on
on
on
on
distant and fluctuating markets for them. Yet so far are we from simplicity
and independence that, in
this village,
n
Note: space left blank during original
copying (R. Clapper)
Concord,
Concord,
Concord,
Concord,
Concord,
Concord,
Concord,
fresh and sweet meal is rarely sold in the
shops even,
shops even,
shops,
shops,
shops,
shops,
shops,
shops,
and hominy and corn in a still coarser form are hardly used by any.
For the most part
For the most part
For the most part
For the most part
For the most part
For the most part
For the most part
For the most part
the farmer gives to his cattle and hogs the grain of his own producing, and
buys flour, which is
at least no more wholesome, at a greater cost, at the store.
I saw that I could easily raise my bushel or two of rye and Indian corn,
for the former will grow on the poorest land, and the latter does not require the
best, and grind them in a hand-mill, and so
dispense with
do without
do without
do without
do without
do without
do without
rice and pork; and if I must have
molasses
some concentrated sweet,
some concentrated sweet,
some concentrated sweet,
some concentrated sweet,
some concentrated sweet,
some concentrated sweet,
I found by experiment that I could make a very good molasses either of
pumpkins or
of beets,
beets,
beets,
beets,
beets,
beets,
and I knew that I
only needed only
needed only
needed only
needed only
needed only
needed only
to set out a few
maple trees
sugar maples
maples
maples
maples
maples
maples
to obtain it more easily still, and while these were growing I
contrived
could use
could use
could use
could use
could use
various substitutes
while I was waiting for the last to grow the white maple, acer
dasycarpum, & the walnut which are abundant in Concord would furnish
as good a syrup, if not in as great a quantity
besides those which I have named.
beside those which I have named.
beside those which I have named.
beside those which I have named.
beside those which I have named.
beside those which I have named.
“For,” as the Forefathers sang,—
“we can make liquor to sweeten our lips
Of pumpkins and parsnips and walnut-tree chips.”
Salt is perhaps the most important article in such a list and
most commonly bought at the shops
stores. Shops
They did not at all first exist to furnish tea and coffee
carriers. I see how living in Concord I could supply myself with every other
article which I think that I need without using the stores at all, and
By the way I would observe that Salt is perhaps the most
important article to a countryman in such a list as I have
referred to, and the most commonly bought at the stores. Stores did not at
all first exist to furnish tea and coffee. I see how living in Concord I
could supply myself with every other article which I think that I need
without using the stores at all, and
Finally, as for salt, that grossest of groceries,
Finally, as for salt, that grossest of groceries,
Finally, as for salt, that grossest of groceries,
Finally, as for salt, that grossest of groceries,
Finally, as for salt, that grossest of groceries,
Finally, as for salt, that grossest of groceries,
to obtain this might be a fit occasion for a visit to the seashore,
Yet strictly speaking even salt cannot be called a
necessary of human life, since many tribes do not use it.
Yet strictly speaking even salt cannot be called a
necessary of human life, since many tribes do not use it.
or if I dispensed with
did without it altogether, I should probably
drink the less water. I cannot
do not learn that the Indians ever troubled
themselves to go after it.
or, if I did without it altogether, I should probably drink the less
water. I do not learn that the Indians ever troubled themselves to go after
it.
or, if I did without it altogether, I should probably drink the less
water. I do not learn that the Indians ever troubled themselves to go after
it.
or, if I did without it altogether, I should probably drink the less
water. I do not learn that the Indians ever troubled themselves to go after
it.
or, if I did without it altogether, I should probably drink the less
water. I do not learn that the Indians ever troubled themselves to go after
it.
or, if I did without it altogether, I should probably drink the less
water. I do not learn that the Indians ever troubled themselves to go after
it.
Thus I could avoid all trade and barter, so far as my food was concerned, and
having a shelter already, it would only remain to get clothing and fuel. The
pantaloons which I now wear were
made
woven
woven
woven
woven
in a farmer’s family,—
thank Heaven there is so much virtue still in man; for I think the fall from
the farmer to the operative as great and memorable as that from the man to the
farmer;
thank Heaven there is so much virtue still in man; for I think the fall from
the farmer to the operative as great and memorable as that from the man to the
farmer;
thank Heaven there is so much virtue still in man; for I think the fall from
the farmer to the operative as great and memorable as that from the man to the
farmer;
thank Heaven there is so much virtue still in man; for I think the fall from
the farmer to the operative as great and memorable as that from the man to the
farmer;
—and in a new country fuel
is regarded as
is
is
is
is
an encumbrance.
As for a habitat, if I were not permitted still to squat, I might purchase
one acre at the same price for which the land I cultivated was sold —namely, eight dollars and eight cents. But
as it was, I considered that I enhanced the value of the land by squatting on
it.
As for a habitat, if I were not permitted still to squat, I might purchase
one acre at the same price for which the land I cultivated was sold —namely, eight dollars and eight cents. But
as it was, I considered that I enhanced the value of the land by squatting on
it.
As for a habitat, if I were not permitted still to squat, I might purchase
one acre at the same price for which the land I cultivated was sold —namely, eight dollars and eight cents. But
as it was, I considered that I enhanced the value of the land by squatting on
it.
As for a habitat, if I were not permitted still to squat, I might purchase
one acre at the same price for which the land I cultivated was sold —namely, eight dollars and eight cents. But
as it was, I considered that I enhanced the value of the land by squatting on
it.
There is a certain class of unbelievers who sometimes ask me such questions
as, if I think that I can
live on vegetable food alone; and to strike at the root of
the matter at once,—for the root is faith,—I am accustomed to answer such, that I
can
live on board nails. If they cannot understand that, they cannot understand much that
I have to say. For
my own
my
my
my
my
part, I am glad to hear of experiments of this kind being tried; as that a
young man
tried for a fortnight
to see if he could live
to live
to live
to live
to live
on hard, raw corn on the ear, using his
tooth
teeth
teeth
teeth
teeth
teeth
for all mortar. The squirrel tribe tried the same and succeeded. The human
race is interested in these experiments,
(as well as others) though a few old women may be alarmed
who own their thirds in mills may be
alarmed.
though a few old women who are incapacitated for them, or who own their
thirds in mills, may be alarmed.
though a few old women who are incapacitated for them, or who own their
thirds in mills, may be alarmed.
though a few old women who are incapacitated for them, or who own their
thirds in mills, may be alarmed.
though a few old women who are incapacitated for them, or who own their
thirds in mills, may be alarmed.
n
Note: The following precedes Economy
92: –dren who sat out of door on the ground in fair weather and enjoyed perfect
leisure. They sat with the door open in mid winter & yet felt but their share
of cold. The father went three miles to his work, and carried nothing but a piece
of bread for his dinner; and the great part of what he earns is sent to Ireland to
forward his remaining children to this land of plenty. In the meanwhile Mrs
n
Note: space left blank during original copying (R. Clapper)
O.D.R. president of the charitable society has caught
her death through a crack in her door, and Mrs Farewell is pining away like a fly
caught in a preserve pot and calls her disease sciatica.
(R. Clapper)
My furniture,
part of which I
made myself,
and the rest cost me nothing of which I have not
rendered an account,
and the rest cost me nothing of which I have not rendered an account,
and the rest cost me nothing of which I have not rendered an account,
and the rest cost me nothing of which I have not rendered an account,
and the rest cost me nothing of which I have not rendered an account,
consisted of a bed, a table, a desk, three chairs, a looking-glass three
inches in diameter, a pair of tongs and andirons, a kettle, a skillet, and a
frying-pan,
a dipper, a wash-bowl, two knives and forks, three plates,
one cup, one spoon, a jug for oil, a jug for molasses, and a
japanned
japanned
japanned
japanned
japanned
lamp.
None
are
is
is
is
is
is
so poor that
they
he
he
he
he
he
need sit on a pumpkin. That is shiftlessness. There
were
are
is a
is a
is a
is a
plenty of such chairs as I
liked
like
like
like
like
like
best in the village garrets to be had for
the taking
taking
taking
taking
taking
them away. Furniture! Thank God, I can sit and I can stand without the aid of
a furniture warehouse. What man but a philosopher would not be ashamed to see his
furniture packed in a cart and going up country exposed to the light of heaven and
the eyes of men, a beggarly account of empty boxes?
That is Spaulding’s furniture.
That is Spaulding’s furniture.
That is Spaulding’s furniture.
That is Spaulding’s furniture.
That is Spaulding’s furniture.
I could never tell from inspecting
such a load of furniture
such a load
such a load
such a load
such a load
whether it belonged to a so called rich man or a poor one; the
owners
owner always seemed equally
poverty-stricken.
owner always seemed poverty-stricken.
owner always seemed poverty-stricken.
owner always seemed poverty-stricken.
owner always seemed poverty-stricken.
Indeed, the more you have of such things the poorer you
are.
Indeed, the more you have of such things the poorer you are.
Indeed, the more you have of such things the poorer you are.
Indeed, the more you have of such things the poorer you are.
Indeed, the more you have of such things the poorer you are.
Each load looks as if it contained the contents of a
hundred
dozen
dozen
dozen
dozen
dozen
shanties; and if one shanty is poor, this is a dozen times as poor. Pray, for
what do we
move
ever but to get rid of our furniture,
our
exuviæ
; at last to go from this world to another newly furnished, and leave this to be
burned? It is the same as if all these traps were buckled to a man’s belt, and he
could not move over the rough country where our lines are cast without dragging
them,—dragging his trap. He was a lucky fox
that left his tail in
the trap. The muskrat will gnaw his third leg off to be free. No wonder man has lost
his elasticity. How often he is at a dead set!
“Sir, if I may be
so bold, what do you mean by a dead set?” If you are a seer, whenever you meet a man
you will see all that he owns,
ay, and much that he pretends to disown,
ay, and much that he pretends to disown,
ay, and much that he pretends to disown,
ay, and much that he pretends to disown,
ay, and much that he pretends to disown,
behind him, even to his kitchen furniture and all the trumpery which he saves
and will not burn, and he will appear to be harnessed to it and making what headway
he can. I think that the man is at a dead set who has got through a knot hole or
gateway where his sledge load of
circumstances
furniture
furniture
furniture
furniture
furniture
cannot follow him. I cannot but feel compassion when I hear some trig,
compact-looking man,
seemingly free, all girded and ready, speak of his “furniture,” as whether it is
insured or not.
or but
"But
"But
"But
"But
what shall I do with my furniture?” My gay butterfly is entangled in a
spider’s web then. Even those who seem for a long while not
to have any at first sight,
to have any,
to have any,
to have any,
to have any,
if you inquire more narrowly you will find
that they have
have
have
have
have
some stored in somebody’s barn.
I look upon England to-day as an old gentleman who is
travelling with a great deal of baggage, trumpery which has accumulated from
long housekeeping, which he has not the courage to burn; great trunk, little
trunk, bandbox, and bundle. Throw away the first three at least. It would
surpass the powers of a well man nowadays to take up his bed and walk, and I
should certainly advise a sick one to lay down his bed and run. When
I look upon England to-day as an old gentleman who is travelling with a great
deal of baggage, trumpery which has accumulated from long housekeeping, which
he has not the courage to burn; great trunk, little trunk, bandbox, and bundle.
Throw away the first three at least. It would surpass the powers of a well man
nowadays to take up his bed and walk, and I should certainly advise
a sick one to lay down his bed and run. When
I look upon England to-day as an old gentleman who is travelling with a great
deal of baggage, trumpery which has accumulated from long housekeeping, which
he has not the courage to burn; great trunk, little trunk, bandbox, and bundle.
Throw away the first three at least. It would surpass the powers of a well man
nowadays to take up his bed and walk, and I should certainly advise
a sick one to lay down his bed and run. When
I look upon England to-day as an old gentleman who is travelling with a great
deal of baggage, trumpery which has accumulated from long housekeeping, which
he has not the courage to burn; great trunk, little trunk, bandbox, and bundle.
Throw away the first three at least. It would surpass the powers of a well man
nowadays to take up his bed and walk, and I should certainly advise
a sick one to lay down his bed and run. When
I look upon England to-day as an old gentleman who is travelling with a great
deal of baggage, trumpery which has accumulated from long housekeeping, which
he has not the courage to burn; great trunk, little trunk, bandbox, and bundle.
Throw away the first three at least. It would surpass the powers of a well man
nowadays to take up his bed and walk, and I should certainly advise
a sick one to lay down his bed and run. When
I have met an immigrant tottering under a bundle which contained his all,—
and
looking like an enormous wen which had grown out of the
nape of his neck I
looking like an enormous wen which had grown out of the nape of his neck,—
I
looking like an enormous wen which had grown out of the nape of his neck,—
I
looking like an enormous wen which had grown out of the nape of his neck,—
I
looking like an enormous wen which had grown out of the nape of his neck,—
I
have pitied him,
certainly not
not
not
not
not
because that was his all, but because he had all
that
to carry. If I have got to drag my trap, I will take care that it be a
light one and do not nip me in a vital part. But perchance it would be wisest never
to put one’s paw into it.
I would here observe, in a parenthesis,
I would here observe, in a parenthesis,
I would here observe, in a parenthesis,
I would here observe, in a parenthesis,
I would here observe, in a parenthesis,
I would here observe, in a parenthesis,
By the way, I would observe, by the way,
I would observe, by the way,
that it costs me nothing for curtains, for I have no gazers to shut out but
the sun and moon, and I am willing
that
that
that
that
that
that
that
that
they should look in. The moon will not sour milk
or
or
or
or
or
or
or
nor
taint meat of mine, nor will the sun injure my furniture or fade my
carpet;
and if he is sometimes too warm a friend, I find it still better
economy to retreat behind some curtain which nature has provided, than to add a
single item to the details of housekeeping.
A lady once offered me a mat, but as I had no room to spare within the
house, nor time to spare within or without to shake it, I declined it,
preferring to wipe my feet on the sod before my door.
A lady once offered me a mat, but as I had no room to spare within the house,
nor time to spare within or without to shake it, I declined it, preferring to
wipe my feet on the sod before my door.
A lady once offered me a mat, but as I had no room to spare within the house,
nor time to spare within or without to shake it, I declined it, preferring to
wipe my feet on the sod before my door.
A lady once offered me a mat, but as I had no room to spare within the house,
nor time to spare within or without to shake it, I declined it, preferring to
wipe my feet on the sod before my door.
A lady once offered me a mat, but as I had no room to spare within the house,
nor time to spare within or without to shake it, I declined it, preferring to
wipe my feet on the sod before my door.
A lady once offered me a mat, but as I had no room to spare within the house,
nor time to spare within or without to shake it, I declined it, preferring to
wipe my feet on the sod before my door.
A lady once offered me a mat, but as I had no room to spare within the house,
nor time to spare within or without to shake it, I declined it, preferring to
wipe my feet on the sod before my door.
A lady once offered me a mat, but as I had no room to spare within the house,
nor time to spare within or without to shake it, I declined it, preferring to
wipe my feet on the sod before my door.
It is best to avoid the beginnings of evil.
And
Only the other day I was present at
attended
was present at
Not long since I was present at
the auction of a deacon’s
effects,
for his life had not been ineffectual:
for his life had not been ineffectual:
—
“The evil that men do lives after
r
Revision note: G1: them. The good is oft interred with their bones.
them; the good is oft interred with their
bones.
them."
As usual, a
great proportion was
rubbish or trumpery
trumpery
which had begun to accumulate in his father’s day. Among the rest was a dried
tapeworm. And now, after lying half a century in his garret and other dust holes,
these things were not burned;
but
There was no
Instead of a bonfire or purifying destruction
of them but
there was an auction or increasing of
them.
instead of a bonfire, or purifying destruction
of them, there was an auction, or increasing of them.
The neighbors eagerly collected to view them, bought them all, and carefully
trans
ported them to their garrets
and dust holes, to lie there till
their estates are settled, when they will start again. When a man dies he kicks the
dust.
The customs of some savage nations might, perchance, be profitably imitated by
us, for they at least go through the semblance of casting their slough
annually; they have
the idea of the thing, whether they have the reality or not. Would it not be well
if
we were to celebrate such a “busk,”
or “feast of first fruits,” as Bartram
describes to have been the custom
of the Mucclasse Indians? “When a town celebrates the busk,” says he, “having
previously provided themselves with new clothes, new pots, pans, and other household
utensils and furniture, they collect all their worn out clothes and other despicable
things, sweep and cleanse their houses, squares, and the whole town, of their filth,
which with all the remaining grain and other old provisions they cast together into
one common heap, and consume it with fire. After having taken medicine, and fasted
for three days, all the fire in the town is extinguished. During this fast they
abstain from the gratification of every appetite and passion whatever. A general
amnesty is proclaimed; all malefactors may return to their
town, and they are absolved from their crimes, which are now
forgotten and they restored to favor.
town.-"
town.-"
town.-"
“On the fourth morning, the high priest, by rubbing dry wood together,
produces new fire in the public square, from whence every habitation in the town is
supplied with the new and pure flame.”
They then feast on the new corn and fruits, and dance and sing
for three days, “and the four following days they receive visits and rejoice with
their friends from neighboring towns who have in like manner purified and prepared
themselves.”
The Mexicans
also
from his customs may have derived
ractised
practised
practised
practised
a similar purification at the end of every fifty-two years, in the belief that
it was time for the world to come to an end.
I have scarcely heard of a truer sacrament, that is, as the dictionary defines
it, “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace,”
than this, and I have no doubt that they
were originally inspired directly from Heaven to do thus, though they have no
biblical record of the revelation.
n
Note: The following was interlined after
Economy 96 in the ink of G: “But either no revelation has been made to us, or we
have not apprehended it.” (R. Clapper)
At present i.e., when this was
written I maintain myself
At present
When this was written I maintain
maintained myself
For more than five years I maintained myself thus
For more than five years I maintained myself thus
For more than five years I maintained myself thus
For more than five years I maintained myself thus
For more than five years I maintained myself thus
For more than five years I maintained myself thus
solely by the labor of my hands, and I
found
find
found
found
found
found
found
found
found
that, by working about six weeks
in a year, I
can
can
could
could
could
could
could
could
could
meet all the expenses of living. The whole of my winters, as well as most
of my summers, I
have free and entire for study, having only to get my
fuel, the dead and for the most part unmerchantable wood behind my house,
to bake my bread, and to wash my clothes. I can invent for society.
have
had free and entire for study
had free and entire for study.
had free and clear for study.
had free and clear for study.
had free and clear for study.
had free and clear for study.
had free and clear for study.
I have thoroughly tried school-keeping,
and
have found
have found
found
found
found
found
found
found
that my expenses were
increased in a greater proportion than my salary
increased in a greater proportion than my salary
income,
increased in a greater proportion than my income
in proportion or rather out of proportion to my
income, for I was obliged to dress and train accordingly,
in proportion, or rather out of proportion, to my income, for I was
obliged to dress and train, not to say think and believe, accordingly,
in proportion, or rather out of proportion, to my income, for I was
obliged to dress and train, not to say think and believe, accordingly,
in proportion, or rather out of proportion, to my income, for I was
obliged to dress and train, not to say think and believe, accordingly,
in proportion, or rather out of proportion, to my income, for I was
obliged to dress and train, not to say think and believe, accordingly,
in proportion, or rather out of proportion, to my income, for I was
obliged to dress and train, not to say think and believe, accordingly,
and I lost my time into the bargain. As I did not teach for the good of my
fellow-men, but simply for a livelihood, this was a failure. I have tried trade;
but I found that it would take ten years to get under way in that, and that then
you would
I should
I should
I should
I should
I should
I should
I should
I should
probably be on
the
my
my
my
my
my
my
my
way to the devil.
I was actually afraid that I might by that time be actually
doing what is called a good business.
I was actually afraid that I might by that time be doing what is called a
good business.
I was actually afraid that I might by that time be doing what is called a
good business.
I was actually afraid that I might by that time be doing what is called a
good business.
I was actually afraid that I might by that time be doing what is called a
good business.
I was actually afraid that I might by that time be doing what is called a
good business.
I was actually afraid that I might by that time be doing what is called a
good business.
I was actually afraid that I might by that time be doing what is called a
good business.
When formerly I was looking about to see what I could do for a living, some
sad experience in conforming to the wishes of friends
being fresh in my mind to tax
my ingenuity, I thought often and seriously of picking huckleberries; that surely
I could do, and its small profits might suffice,—for my greatest skill has been to
want but little,—so little capital it required, so little distraction from my
wonted
thoughts
moods,
moods,
moods,
I foolishly thought. While my acquaintances went unhesitatingly into trade
or the professions, I
thought of
contemplated
contemplated
contemplated
this occupation as most like theirs; ranging the hills all summer to pick
the berries which
came in my way,
which I might carelessly dispose of
& thereafter carelessly dispose of
them;
and thereafter carelessly dispose of them;
and thereafter carelessly dispose of them;
so, to keep the flocks of Admetus.
I also
dreamed that I might gather the wild herbs, or carry evergreens to such villagers
as loved to be reminded of the woods, even to the city, by hay-cart loads. But I
have since learned that trade curses every thing it handles; and though you trade
in messages from heaven, the whole curse of trade attaches to the business.
As I preferred some things to others, and especially valued my freedom,
and
and
as I
as I
as I
as I
as I
as I
as I
could fare hard and yet succeed well, I did not wish to spend my time in
earning rich carpets or
other
other
other
other
other
other
other
other
fine furniture, or delicate cookery, or a house in the Grecian or the
Gothic
style just yet. If there
are any to whom it is no interruption to acquire these things, and who know how to
use them when acquired, I relinquish to them the pursuit. Some are
industrious as the phrase
is,
industrious as the phrase
is,
"industrious,"
"industrious,"
"industrious,"
"industrious,"
"industrious,"
"industrious,"
and
appear to
appear to
appear to
appear to
appear to
appear to
appear to
love labor for its own sake,
or perhaps because it keeps them out of worse
mischief;
or perhaps because it keeps them out of worse mischief;
or perhaps because it keeps them out of worse mischief;
or perhaps because it keeps them out of worse mischief;
or perhaps because it keeps them out of worse mischief;
or perhaps because it keeps them out of worse mischief;
or perhaps because it keeps them out of worse mischief;
to such I have at present nothing to say. Those who would not know what to do
with more leisure than they now enjoy, I
would
would
might
might
might
might
might
might
might
advise to work twice as hard as they do,—
work till they pay for themselves, and get their free
papers.
work till they pay for themselves, and get their free papers.
work till they pay for themselves, and get their free papers.
work till they pay for themselves, and get their free papers.
work till they pay for themselves, and get their free papers.
work till they pay for themselves, and get their free papers.
work till they pay for themselves, and get their free papers.
For myself I
find that at present
find
found that at present
found that
found that
found that
found that
found that
found that
the occupation of a day-laborer
is
is
was
was
was
was
was
was
was
the most independent of any, especially
when we consider that it requires
when we consider that it requireswhen we consider
I considered that it requires as it required
as it required
as it required
as it required
as it required
as it required
as it required
only thirty or forty days in a year to support one. The laborer’s day ends
with the going down of the sun, and he is
then
then
then
then
then
then
then
free to devote himself to his chosen pursuit, independent of his labor; but
his employer, who speculates from month to month, has no respite from one
year’s end to another’s.
year’s end to another’s Some say that
time is money. It is more than that. It is life. And whoever exchanges much
of it for money—or what money can buy—makes a wretched bargain & will be
bankrupt in the end.
end of the year to the other.
end of the year to the other.
end of the year to the other.
end of the year to the other.
end of the year to the other.
end of the year to the other.
In short,
In short,
In short,
In short,
In short,
In short,
I am convinced,
both
both
both
both
both
both
by faith
as well as by
&
and
and
and
and
and
experience, that to maintain one’s self on this earth is not a hardship but a
pastime, if we will live simply and wisely; as the pursuits of the simpler nations
are still
the sports of the more artificial. It is not necessary that a man should
earn his living by the sweat of his brow, unless he sweats easier than I do.
One young man
of my acquaintance, who
has inherited some acres,
remarked to
remarked to
told
told
told
told
told
told
told
me that he thought he should live as I
do
did,
did,
did,
did,
did,
did,
did,
did,
if he had the means
. I would not have any one adopt
my
mode of living
on any account; for, beside that before he has
fairly learned it I may have found out another for myself, I desire that there may
be
as many different persons in the world as
possible—and they say very truly that it takes all kinds to
make a world;
possible;
possible;
possible;
possible;
possible;
possible;
possible;
but I would have each one be very careful to find out and pursue
his own
way, and not his father’s or his mother’s or his
neighbor’s instead. The youth may build or plant or sail, only let him not be
hindered from doing that which he tells me he would like to
do. If he is reproved for being what he is he will find his only
recourse in being still more entirely what he is. Carry but yourself erect and
your garments will trail as they should. Disturb not the sailor with too many
details, but let him be sure that he keep his guiding star in his eye
do.If he is reproved for being what he is he will find his
only recourse is being still more entirely what he is. Carry but yourself
erect and your garments will trail as they should. Disturb not the sailor
with too many details,
but
only let him be sure that he keep his guiding
star in his eye
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
It is by a mathematical point only that we are wise,
as the sailor or the fugitive slave keeps the polestar in his eye;
as the sailor or the fugitive slave keeps the polestar in his eye;
as the sailor or the fugitive slave keeps the polestar in his eye;
as the sailor or the fugitive slave keeps the polestar in his eye;
as the sailor or the fugitive slave keeps the polestar in his eye;
as the sailor or the fugitive slave keeps the polestar in his eye;
but that is sufficient guidance for all our life.
We may not arrive at our port within a calculable period, but we would
preserve the true course.
We may not arrive at our port within a calculable period, but we would
preserve the true course.
We may not arrive at our port within a calculable period, but we would
preserve the true course.
We may not arrive at our port within a calculable period, but we would
preserve the true course.
We may not arrive at our port within a calculable period, but we would
preserve the true course.
We may not arrive at our port within a calculable period, but we would
preserve the true course.
n
Note:
Before Economy 101, the
following was interlined, beginning on the bottom of a leaf from B that had
been taken into C and continuing in the margin at the top of a leaf in C:
Everything impels us to seek our health. No doubt our instincts drive us
forward in the right path and keep us from wandering, as faithful herdsmen their
herds. Whatever we care to do is for our health. No student ever hurt his chest with
writing poetry—for that does not consist with a constrained position. No it was
writing prose, it was some vile copying or other drudgery that did the business. The
girl that is visited by beautiful thoughts is not then laying the foundations of a
crooked spine. They are guiltless of such work.
(R. Clapper)
n
Note:
Before Economy 101, the
following was interlined, beginning on the bottom of a leaf from B that had
been taken into C and continuing in the margin at the top of a leaf in C:
Everything impels us to seek our health. No doubt our instincts drive us
forward in the right path and keep us from wandering, as faithful herdsmen their
herds. Whatever we care to do is for our health. No student ever hurt his chest with
writing poetry—for that does not consist with a constrained position. No it was
writing prose, it was some vile copying or other drudgery that did the business. The
girl that is visited by beautiful thoughts is not then laying the foundations of a
crooked spine. They are guiltless of such work.
(R. Clapper)
I shall be very glad if this record of my experience afford any useful
hints to others, for the conduct of their lives. I believe that
Yet I believe that in this case, what is true for one
is truer still for a thousand, just as, to use a particular instance, the
expense of building a large house is not proportionally greater than that of
building a small one, since one roof may cover, and one cellar
underlie, and one wall separate, many apartments; or to express it
generally—the expense of building a large house is not proportionally greater than that of building a
small one, in proportion to its size—though if I thought that I should be
understood literally I should say that
though to speak literally I prefer the isolated
dwelling.
r
Revision note: C1: Yet I believe that in this case what is true for one is truer
still for a thousand, just as to use a particular instance, the expense of
building a large house is not proportionally greater than the expense of
building a small one, since one roof may cover and one cellar underlie and one
wall separate many apartments; though to speak literally, I prefer the solitary
dwelling.
Yet I believe that
Undoubtedly in this case, what is true for one is
truer still for a thousand, just as, to use a particular instance, the
expense of building a large house is not proportionally greater
than the expense of building
more expensive than a small one, since one roof
may cover and one cellar may underlie, and one wall separate
many
several apartments; though to speak
literally I prefer
But for my own part I preferred the solitary
dwelling.
Undoubtedly, in this case, what is true for one is truer still for a
thousand, as a large house is not more
expensive than a small one in proportion to its size, since one roof may cover,
one cellar underlie, and one wall separate several apartments. But for my part,
I preferred the solitary dwelling.
Undoubtedly, in this case, what is true for one is truer still for a
thousand, as a large house is not more
expensive than a small one in proportion to its size, since one roof may cover,
one cellar underlie, and one wall separate several apartments. But for my part,
I preferred the solitary dwelling.
Undoubtedly, in this case, what is true for one is truer still for a
thousand, as a large house is not more
expensive than a small one in proportion to its size, since one roof may cover,
one cellar underlie, and one wall separate several apartments. But for my part,
I preferred the solitary dwelling.
Undoubtedly, in this case, what is true for one is truer still for a
thousand, as a large house is not more
expensive than a small one in proportion to its size, since one roof may cover,
one cellar underlie, and one wall separate several apartments. But for my part,
I preferred the solitary dwelling.
Undoubtedly, in this case, what is true for one is truer still for a
thousand, as a large house is not more
expensive than a small one in proportion to its size, since one roof may cover,
one cellar underlie, and one wall separate several apartments. But for my part,
I preferred the solitary dwelling.
r
Revision note: C1:
Moreover,
r
Revision note: C1:
Moreover,
Moreover,
Moreover,
Moreover,
Moreover,
Moreover,
it will commonly be cheaper to build the whole yourself than to convince
another of the advantage of the common wall; and when you have done
r
Revision note: C1:
this,
r
Revision note: C1:
this,
this,
this,
this,
this,
this,
the common partition, to be
r
Revision note: C1:
much
r
Revision note: C1:
much
much
much
much
much
much
cheaper, must be a thin one, and that other may prove a bad neighbor, and
r
Revision note: C1:
moreover
also
r
Revision note: C1:
moreover
also
also
also
also
also
also
not keep his side in
repair. In the large establishment there will be many
xxxx holes, and many resources for idleness. If the
single man fails he will know where the fault lies and learn faster by
experience.
repair. In the large establishment there will be many
xxxx holes, and many resources for idleness. If the
single man fails he will know where the fault lies and learn faster by
experience.
repair.
repair.
repair.
repair.
repair.
It is true men talk much of cooperation nowadays—of working together to
some worthy end, when the only cooperation which they mean
It appears to me that the only cooperation which is
commonly possible, however advantageous it may be
However advantageous it may be, the only cooperation which is
commonly possible
The only coöperation which is commonly possible
The only coöperation which is commonly possible
The only coöperation which is commonly possible
The only coöperation which is commonly possible
The only coöperation which is commonly possible
is exceedingly partial and superficial;
and
and
and
and
and
and
what little true coöperation there is, is as if it were not,
being a simple result of which the means are hidden
being a simple result of which the means are hidden,
being
being
being
being
being
a harmony inaudible to men.
If a man has faith he will coöperate with equal
faith every where; if he has not faith, he will continue to live like the rest of
the
world, whatever company he is joined to. To coöperate, in the highest as well as the
lowest sense, means
to get
your
our
our
our
our
our
our
our
living together
. I heard it proposed lately that two
young men should travel together over the world, the one without money, earning his
means as he went,
on foot and before the mast,
on foot and before the mast and behind the plough,
before the mast and behind the plough,
before the mast and behind the plough,
before the mast and behind the plough,
before the mast and behind the plough,
before the mast and behind the plough,
the other carrying a bill of exchange
in
his pocket. It was easy to see that they could not long be companions or coöperate,
since one would not
operate
at all. They would
part company
part company
part
part
part
part
part
at the first interesting crisis in their
adventures. But whether we act singly or
in community simplicity and high purpose will equally be indispensable
adventures.
adventures.
adventures.
adventures.
adventures.
adventures.
Above all,
as I have suggested,
as I have suggested,
as I have implied,
as I have implied,
as I have implied,
as I have implied,
as I have implied,
the man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must
wait till that other is ready, and
what with the weather and that other’s convenience, it
will
may
what with the weather and that other’s convenience, it
will
may
it may
it may
it may
it may
it may
be a long time before they get
off. There are experts of the establishment and they are wont to
be very serious even long before anything is established. A platform for
orators is at once erected and that costs incalculable sums. I have noticed
that birds which fly in flocks, like blackbirds, appea[r] to waste a good deal
of time in chattering. Judging by the amount that has been spoken and written
about the Fourier system, for instance the
interminable discussions even to the minutest details of the cella[r] and the
garret, one would think
suppose that it had now been in operation for a
hundred years, but I have yet to learn that a single institution, entirely on
his
Fourier’s plan , is anywhere fairly under weigh.
I remember an old woman who when I was a boy used to send me of errands, who
repeated her message
off. There are experts of the establishment and they are wont to
be very serious even long before anything is established. A platform for
orators is at once erected and that costs incalculable sums. I have noticed
that birds which fly in flocks, like blackbirds, appea[r] to waste a good deal
of time in chattering. Judging by the amount that has been spoken and written
about the Fourier system, for instance the
interminable discussions even to the minutest details of the cella[r] and the
garret, one would think
suppose that it had now been in operation for a
hundred years, but I have yet to learn that a single institution, entirely on
his
Fourier’s plan , is anywhere fairly under weigh.
I remember an old woman who when I was a boy used to send me of errands, who
repeated her message
off.
off.
off.
off.
off.
n
Note: Three leaves (#113-117) are missing. (R. Clapper)
But all this is very selfish, I have heard some of my
townsmen say. I confess that
But all this is very selfish, I have heard some of my townsmen say. I confess
that
But all this is very selfish, I have heard some of my townsmen say. I confess
that
But all this is very selfish, I have heard some of my townsmen say. I confess
that
But all this is very selfish, I have heard some of my townsmen say. I confess
that
But all this is very selfish, I have heard some of my townsmen say. I confess
that
But all this is very selfish, I have heard some of my townsmen say. I confess
that
I have hitherto indulged very little in philanthropic enterprises.
I have made some sacrifices to a
sense of duty, and among others have sacrificed this pleasure also.
I may say without boasting that I have never been inside of a
theatre but once, and never that I remember—subscribed a cent to any charitable
object. Professional men—merchants—farmers—mechanics—laboring men and
women—speculators and jobbers of all kinds have at various times tempted me
just to take one turn at doing good to mankind—but I have been wonderfully
sustained and my virtue is still unsullied in this respect. Some
Some
There are those who
There are those who
There are those who
There are those who
There are those who
There are those who
There are those who
have used all their arts to persuade me to undertake the support of some poor
family in the town;
and
and
and
and
and
and
if I had nothing to do,—
for they say
for they say
even
for
for
for
for
for
for
the devil finds employment
for the
idle,—I
certainly should
certainly should
might
might
might
might
might
might
might
try my hand at some such pastime as that.
However,
However,
However,
However,
However,
However,
when I have thought to indulge myself in this respect, and lay their Heaven
under an obligation by maintaining certain poor persons in all respects as
comfortably as I maintain myself, and have even
advanced
ventured
ventured
ventured
ventured
ventured
ventured
ventured
ventured
so far as to make them the offer, they have one and all unhesitatingly
preferred to remain poor. While my townsmen
and women
and women
and women
and women
and women
and women
and women
and women
are devoted in so many ways to the good of their
fellow men
fellows
fellows,
fellows,
fellows,
fellows,
fellows,
fellows,
fellows,
I trust that one at least may be spared to other and less humane pursuits.
I care not if my pursuits have no references to mankind. “In
antiquity,” said Confucius, “those who devoted themselves to study did it
for themselves; now those who devote themselves to study do it for others,”
as a commentator says “to appear learned in the eyes of others,” as another
commentator may add—“and to acquire a reputation for philanthropy.” Now, it
appears to me, those who devote themselves to charity do it commonly for
others, in Confucius’ sense, for but you must have a genius for
charity as well as for anything else
“In antiquity,” said Confucius, “those who devoted themselves to study did
it for themselves; now, those who devote themselves to study do it for
others,” as a commentator says “to appear learned to the eyes of others.”
Now, it appears to me, those who devote themselves to charity do it for
others. But you must have a genius for charity as well as for anything
else.
You must have a genius for charity as well as for any thing else.
You must have a genius for charity as well as for any thing else.
You must have a genius for charity as well as for any thing else.
You must have a genius for charity as well as for any thing else.
You must have a genius for charity as well as for any thing else.
As for Doing-good,
that is one of
the professions
that
that
which
which
which
which
which
which
which
are full. Moreover, I
did once try it fairly,
did once try
have tried it fairly
in the course of my life,
have tried it fairly,
have tried it fairly,
have tried it fairly,
have tried it fairly,
have tried it fairly,
have tried it fairly,
and, strange as it may seem, am satisfied that it does not agree with my
constitution.
It does not suit my genius
I have a natural repugnance to it
constitution. I have a natural repugnance to it
constitution.
constitution.
constitution.
constitution.
constitution.
constitution.
Probably I should not consciously and deliberately forsake my particular
calling to do the good which society demands of me, to save the universe from
annihilation; and
indeed a like
indeed
I believe that a like
I believe that a like but greater
I believe that a like but infinitely greater
I believe that a like but infinitely greater
I believe that a like but infinitely greater
I believe that a like but infinitely greater
I believe that a like but infinitely greater
steadfastness elsewhere is all that now preserves it. But I would not stand
between any man and his genius; and to him who does this work, which I decline, with
his whole heart and soul and life, I would say, Persevere,
aye even if as in my own case
aye even if as in my own case
aye even if
even if
even if
even if
even if
even if
the world call it doing evil,
as it is most likely they will.
as it is most likely they will.
as it is most likely they will.
as it is most likely they will.
as it is most likely they will.
as it is most likely they will.
do not by any means suppose
am far from supposing
I am far from supposing
I am far from supposing
I am far from supposing
I am far from supposing
I am far from supposing
I am far from supposing
that my case is a peculiar one;
but that you would all say something similar in like
circumstances
no doubt many of my readers would make a similar
defence.
no doubt many of my readers would make a similar defence.
no doubt many of my readers would make a similar defence.
no doubt many of my readers would make a similar defence.
no doubt many of my readers would make a similar defence.
no doubt many of my readers would make a similar defence.
no doubt many of my readers would make a similar defence.
At doing something,—I will not engage that my neighbors shall pronounce it
good,—I do not hesitate to say that I should be a capital fellow to hire; but what
that is, it is for my employer to find out. What
good
I do, in
your
the common
the common
the common
the common
the common
the common
the common
sense of that word, must be aside from my main path, and for the most part
wholly
unintended. There is no doctrine preached with so much
cant in these days as this of doing good, and I think that this word
cant, considering its meaning should be derived, not from the old chant,
at length come to be sung more through the nose, but rather from the
contraction can’t, the expression of inefficiency and despair
unintended.
unintended.
unintended.
unintended.
unintended.
unintended.
Men say, practically, Begin where you are and such as you are,
not
not
without
without
without
without
without
without
without
aiming mainly to become
better
of more worth,
of more worth,
of more worth,
of more worth,
of more worth,
of more worth,
of more worth,
of more worth,
and with kindness aforethought go about doing good. If I were to preach at
all in this strain, I should say rather, Set about being good. As if the sun
should stop when he had kindled his fires up to the splendor of a moon or a star
of the sixth magnitude, and go about like a Robin
Goodfellow
or will o’ the wisp,
Goodfellow,
Goodfellow,
Goodfellow,
Goodfellow,
Goodfellow,
Goodfellow,
Goodfellow,
peeping in at every cottage window, inspiring lunatics, and tainting meats,
and making darkness visible,
instead of steadily
increasing his genial heat and beneficence till he is of such
brightness that no
mortal can look him in the face, and then, and in the mean while too, going about
the world in his own orbit, doing it good, or rather, as a truer philosophy has
discovered, the world
go
going
going
going
going
going
going
going
going
about him getting good. When Phaeton,
wishing to prove his
heavenly birth by his beneficence, had the sun’s chariot but one day, and drove
out of the beaten track, he burned several blocks of houses in the lower streets
of heaven, and scorched the surface of the earth, and dried up every spring, and
made the great desert of Sahara, till
Jupiter at length
Jupiter at length
at length Jupiter at length
at length Jupiter
at length Jupiter
at length Jupiter
at length Jupiter
at length Jupiter
hurled him headlong to the earth with a thunderbolt, and the sun, through
grief at his death, did not shine for a year.
There is no odor so bad as that which arises from
goodness tainted. It is human, it is divine, carrion. Why, there is
no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted. It is human
it is divine carrion.
There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted. It is
human, it is divine, carrion.
There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted. It is
human, it is divine, carrion.
There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted. It is
human, it is divine, carrion.
There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted. It is
human, it is divine, carrion.
There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted. It is
human, it is divine, carrion.
If I knew for a certainty that a man was coming to my house with the
conscious
purpose
design
purpose
design
purpose
design
design
design
design
design
design
of doing me
good—such a man at least as I have seen on
this errand,
good—such a man at least as I have seen on
this errand,
good, such a man as I have seen on this errand.
good,
good,
good,
good,
good,
I should run for my life, as from that dry and parching wind of the African
deserts called the simoom, which fills the mouth and nose and ears and eyes with
dust till you are suffocated,
I would not preach to men so strenuously and exclusively to practice
kindness and humanity toward one another—to feed the hungry & clothe
the naked, and the like, for the greater would include the less
I would not preach to men so strenuously and exclusively to practice
kindness and humanity toward one another—to feed the hungry & clothe
the naked, and the like, for the greater would include the less
There are two kinds of good, the one done to the body, the other, to
the inhabitant of the body. Mankind insist almost exclusively on the
former. But.
for fear that I should get some of his good done to me,—some of its virus
mingled with my blood. No,—in this case I would rather suffer evil the
natural way.
for fear that I should get some of his good done to me,—some of its virus
mingled with my blood. No,—in this case I would rather suffer evil the
natural way.
for fear that I should get some of his good done to me,—some of its virus
mingled with my blood. No,—in this case I would rather suffer evil the
natural way.
for fear that I should get some of his good done to me,—some of its virus
mingled with my blood. No,—in this case I would rather suffer evil the
natural way.
for fear that I should get some of his good done to me,—some of its virus
mingled with my blood. No,—in this case I would rather suffer evil the
natural way.
A man is not a good
man
to me because he will
feed me if I should be starving, or warm me if I should be freezing, or pull me
out of a ditch if I should ever fall into one. I can find you a Newfoundland dog
that will do as much.
Philanthropy is not love for one’s fellow-man in the broadest sense.
Philanthropy is not love for one’s fellow-man in the broadest sense.
Philanthropy is not love for one’s fellow-man in the broadest sense.
Philanthropy is not love for one’s fellow-man in the broadest sense.
Philanthropy is not love for one’s fellow-man in the broadest sense.
Howard
was no doubt an exceedingly kind and
worthy man in his way, and has his reward; but, comparatively speaking, what are a
hundred Howards to
us
, if their philanthropy
does not cheer us, if their presence, their conversation, their lives
do not satisfy the hunger which is now starving us, do not banish the
cold which is freezing us, do not help to liberate us from the prison in
which we are all confined. Alas!
do not help us in our best estate?
do not help us in our best estate, when we
are most worthy to be helped?
do not help us in our best estate, when we
are most worthy to be helped?
do not help us in our best estate, when we
are most worthy to be helped?
do not help us in our best estate, when we
are most worthy to be helped?
do not help us in our best estate, when we
are most worthy to be helped?
I never
yet attended
heard of
heard of
heard of
heard of
heard of
heard of
a philanthropic meeting in which it
was
sincerely
sincerely
sincerely
sincerely
sincerely
proposed to do any good to
me or the like of me. But every
dog should have his turn
day
me, or the like of me.
me, or the like of me.
me, or the like of me.
me, or the like of me.
me, or the like of me.
The Jesuits
were
quite balked by those Indians who, being burned at the stake, suggested new modes
of
torture to their tormentors. Being superior to physical suffering, it sometimes
chanced that they were superior to any consolation which the missionaries could
offer; and the law to do as you would be done by
fell with less persuasiveness on the ears of those, who, for their
part, did not care how they were done by, who loved their enemies
after a
new fashion, and
freely forgave
freely forgave
freely forgave
came very near freely forgiving
came very near freely forgiving
them
all they did.
We do not
Be sure you
Be sure that you
give the poor the aid they most need,
We do not set them an example—leave
though it be your example which leaves
though it be your example which leaves
them far behind. If
we give money we do not commonly spend ourselves with it—but
rather
you give money spend yourself with it—& do not
merely
you give money, spend yourself with it, and do not merely
abandon it to them. We
err even on much simpler ground—After all,
make curious mistakes sometimes. Often
make curious mistakes sometimes. Often
the poor man is not so cold and hungry as he is dirty and ragged and gross.
It is
as much his taste as
partly his taste and not merely
partly his taste, and not merely
his misfortune. If you give him money, he will perhaps buy more rags with
it.
r
Revision note: B1: This leads me to say that almost any man knows how to earn
money, but not one in a million having earned it knows how to
spend it. If he had known so much as this he would never have
earned
acquired it. At least I never knew a very rich man to
let alone the poor for the present who knew how to spend his
money. Commonly they
the rich wear no better clothes and build no better houses than
their neighbors, for while they have been accumulating property they have
not been cultivating their taste or their wits. I think that in winter, and
I speak from experience, the poor man who wears cowhide, is better shod than
the rich with India rubber over calf-skin. You are no doubt wont
to pity the poor clumsy Irish laborers who work on our railroads in the
winter, or cut ice in our ponds. In such mean and ragged clothes, while
the spectator shivers in his pants
you are shivering in your own more tidy and fashionable
garments—and so did I, till one of the last who had slipped into the
water one bitter cold day came to my house to warm him,
Almost any man,—if I may be pardoned the digression—, knows
how to earn money, but not one in a million having earned it
amassed a fortune knows how to spend it. If he had known so much
as this he would never have acquired it. Commonly the rich wear no better
clothes and build no better houses than their neighbors, for while they have
been accumulating property they have not been cultivating their taste or
their wits. I think that in winter, and I speak from experience, the poor
man who wears cowhide, is better shod than the rich with India rubber over
calf-skin. You are no doubt wont to pity the poor clumsy Irish laborers who
work on our railroads in the winter, or cut ice in our ponds, in such mean
and ragged clothes, while you are shivering in your own more tidy and
fashionable garments—and so did I, till one of the last who had slipped into
the pond one bitter cold day, came to my house to warm him—for if it had not
been for my fire his limbs would have been frozen,
r
Revision note: B1: This leads me to say that almost any man knows how to earn
money, but not one in a million having earned it knows how to
spend it. If he had known so much as this he would never have
earned
acquired it. At least I never knew a very rich man to
let alone the poor for the present who knew how to spend his
money. Commonly they
the rich wear no better clothes and build no better houses than
their neighbors, for while they have been accumulating property they have
not been cultivating their taste or their wits. I think that in winter, and
I speak from experience, the poor man who wears cowhide, is better shod than
the rich with India rubber over calf-skin. You are no doubt wont
to pity the poor clumsy Irish laborers who work on our railroads in the
winter, or cut ice in our ponds. In such mean and ragged clothes, while
the spectator shivers in his pants
you are shivering in your own more tidy and fashionable
garments—and so did I, till one of the last who had slipped into the
water one bitter cold day came to my house to warm him,
Almost any man,—if I may be pardoned the digression—, knows
how to earn money, but not one in a million having earned it
amassed a fortune knows how to spend it. If he had known so much
as this he would never have acquired it. Commonly the rich wear no better
clothes and build no better houses than their neighbors, for while they have
been accumulating property they have not been cultivating their taste or
their wits. I think that in winter, and I speak from experience, the poor
man who wears cowhide, is better shod than the rich with India rubber over
calf-skin. You are no doubt wont to pity the poor clumsy Irish laborers who
work on our railroads in the winter, or cut ice in our ponds, in such mean
and ragged clothes, while you are shivering in your own more tidy and
fashionable garments—and so did I, till one of the last who had slipped into
the pond one bitter cold day, came to my house to warm him—for if it had not
been for my fire his limbs would have been frozen,
r
Revision note: B1: This leads me to say that almost any man knows how to earn
money, but not one in a million having earned it knows how to
spend it. If he had known so much as this he would never have
earned
acquired it. At least I never knew a very rich man to
let alone the poor for the present who knew how to spend his
money. Commonly they
the rich wear no better clothes and build no better houses than
their neighbors, for while they have been accumulating property they have
not been cultivating their taste or their wits. I think that in winter, and
I speak from experience, the poor man who wears cowhide, is better shod than
the rich with India rubber over calf-skin. You are no doubt wont
to pity the poor clumsy Irish laborers who work on our railroads in the
winter, or cut ice in our ponds. In such mean and ragged clothes, while
the spectator shivers in his pants
you are shivering in your own more tidy and fashionable
garments—and so did I, till one of the last who had slipped into the
water one bitter cold day came to my house to warm him,
Almost any man,—if I may be pardoned the digression—, knows
how to earn money, but not one in a million having earned it
amassed a fortune knows how to spend it. If he had known so much
as this he would never have acquired it. Commonly the rich wear no better
clothes and build no better houses than their neighbors, for while they have
been accumulating property they have not been cultivating their taste or
their wits. I think that in winter, and I speak from experience, the poor
man who wears cowhide, is better shod than the rich with India rubber over
calf-skin. You are no doubt wont to pity the poor clumsy Irish laborers who
work on our railroads in the winter, or cut ice in our ponds, in such mean
and ragged clothes, while you are shivering in your own more tidy and
fashionable garments—and so did I, till one of the last who had slipped into
the pond one bitter cold day, came to my house to warm him—for if it had not
been for my fire his limbs would have been frozen,
The Irishmen were very warmly clad and kept their feet dry
with tight boots so that they would work without mittens in pretty cold
weather. At first I was inclined to pity them engaged in such cold & wet
work in ragged and apparently insufficient clothing, while I shivered in my
somewhat more tidy garments, till one who had slipped into the pond one
bitter cold day came to my house to warm him,
The Irishmen were very warmly clad & kept
their feet dry with tight boots
& their bodies warm, so that they could work without mittens
in pretty cold weather. At first I was inclined to pity them, engaged in
such cold & wet work in ragged and apparently insufficient
clothing.
I was wont to pity the clumsy Irish laborers who cut ice on the pond, in such mean and
ragged clothes, while I shivered in my more tidy and somewhat more
fashionable garments, till, one bitter cold day, one who had slipped into
the water came to my house to warm him,
I was wont to pity the clumsy Irish laborers who cut ice on the pond, in such mean and
ragged clothes, while I shivered in my more tidy and somewhat more
fashionable garments, till, one bitter cold day, one who had slipped into
the water came to my house to warm him,
and I saw him strip off three pairs of pants and two pairs of stockings ere
he got down to the
r
Revision note: B1: skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough it is true,
and how
that he could afford to refuse the extra garments
which I had offered him. What the rich are said to
give away is not commonly a gift, but rather so much abandoned to mankind,
though it be the tenth part of their income annually. But even with money
you might do something grander and more imposing. A small sum would really
do much good if the donor spent himself with it, in other words saw it
through, and did not merely relinquish it to some distant society as
the Colonization Society or the Society for Foreign Missions whose
managers do the good or the evil with it. How much might be done for this
town with a hundred dollars if there were only a man to do it. I
myself have provided a select course of 25 lectures
for a winter, together with room-fuel—and lights—with that sum, which was no
inconsiderable benefit to every inhabitant. With a thousand dollars I could
purchase for this town a more complete & select library in my opinion,
than exists in the state out of Cambridge & Boston. And perhaps a more
available one than any. Men sit paralyzed and helpless by the side of their
buried treasures. After all those who do most good with money do it with the
least, because they can do better than to acquire it.
skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough it is true,—
and that he could afford to refuse the extra garments which I offered him, having so many intra ones. What the rich are said to give
away is not commonly a gift, but rather so much abandoned to mankind, though
it be the tenth part of their income annually. But even with money you might
do something grander and more imposing. A small sum would really do much
good if the donor spent himself with it, in other words, saw it through, and
did not merely relinquish it to some distant society, as the Colonization
Society or the Society for Foreign Missions, whose managers do the good or
the evil with it.—How much, for instance, might be done for this town with a
hundred dollars if there were only a man to do it. I myself have provided a
select course of twenty-five lectures for a winter, together with room fuel
and lights, with that sum, which was no inconsiderable benefit to every
inhabitant. With a thousand dollars I could purchase for this town a more
complete and select library, in my opinion, than exists in the state out of
Cambridge and Boston, and perhaps a more available one than any,—Men sit
paralyzed and helpless by the side of their buried treasures. After all,
those who do most good with money, do it with the least, because they can do
better than to acquire it.
r
Revision note: B1: skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough it is true,
and how
that he could afford to refuse the extra garments
which I had offered him. What the rich are said to
give away is not commonly a gift, but rather so much abandoned to mankind,
though it be the tenth part of their income annually. But even with money
you might do something grander and more imposing. A small sum would really
do much good if the donor spent himself with it, in other words saw it
through, and did not merely relinquish it to some distant society as
the Colonization Society or the Society for Foreign Missions whose
managers do the good or the evil with it. How much might be done for this
town with a hundred dollars if there were only a man to do it. I
myself have provided a select course of 25 lectures
for a winter, together with room-fuel—and lights—with that sum, which was no
inconsiderable benefit to every inhabitant. With a thousand dollars I could
purchase for this town a more complete & select library in my opinion,
than exists in the state out of Cambridge & Boston. And perhaps a more
available one than any. Men sit paralyzed and helpless by the side of their
buried treasures. After all those who do most good with money do it with the
least, because they can do better than to acquire it.
skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough it is true,—
and that he could afford to refuse the extra garments which I offered him, having so many intra ones. What the rich are said to give
away is not commonly a gift, but rather so much abandoned to mankind, though
it be the tenth part of their income annually. But even with money you might
do something grander and more imposing. A small sum would really do much
good if the donor spent himself with it, in other words, saw it through, and
did not merely relinquish it to some distant society, as the Colonization
Society or the Society for Foreign Missions, whose managers do the good or
the evil with it.—How much, for instance, might be done for this town with a
hundred dollars if there were only a man to do it. I myself have provided a
select course of twenty-five lectures for a winter, together with room fuel
and lights, with that sum, which was no inconsiderable benefit to every
inhabitant. With a thousand dollars I could purchase for this town a more
complete and select library, in my opinion, than exists in the state out of
Cambridge and Boston, and perhaps a more available one than any,—Men sit
paralyzed and helpless by the side of their buried treasures. After all,
those who do most good with money, do it with the least, because they can do
better than to acquire it.
r
Revision note: B1: skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough it is true,
and how
that he could afford to refuse the extra garments
which I had offered him. What the rich are said to
give away is not commonly a gift, but rather so much abandoned to mankind,
though it be the tenth part of their income annually. But even with money
you might do something grander and more imposing. A small sum would really
do much good if the donor spent himself with it, in other words saw it
through, and did not merely relinquish it to some distant society as
the Colonization Society or the Society for Foreign Missions whose
managers do the good or the evil with it. How much might be done for this
town with a hundred dollars if there were only a man to do it. I
myself have provided a select course of 25 lectures
for a winter, together with room-fuel—and lights—with that sum, which was no
inconsiderable benefit to every inhabitant. With a thousand dollars I could
purchase for this town a more complete & select library in my opinion,
than exists in the state out of Cambridge & Boston. And perhaps a more
available one than any. Men sit paralyzed and helpless by the side of their
buried treasures. After all those who do most good with money do it with the
least, because they can do better than to acquire it.
skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough it is true,—
and that he could afford to refuse the extra garments which I offered him, having so many intra ones. What the rich are said to give
away is not commonly a gift, but rather so much abandoned to mankind, though
it be the tenth part of their income annually. But even with money you might
do something grander and more imposing. A small sum would really do much
good if the donor spent himself with it, in other words, saw it through, and
did not merely relinquish it to some distant society, as the Colonization
Society or the Society for Foreign Missions, whose managers do the good or
the evil with it.—How much, for instance, might be done for this town with a
hundred dollars if there were only a man to do it. I myself have provided a
select course of twenty-five lectures for a winter, together with room fuel
and lights, with that sum, which was no inconsiderable benefit to every
inhabitant. With a thousand dollars I could purchase for this town a more
complete and select library, in my opinion, than exists in the state out of
Cambridge and Boston, and perhaps a more available one than any,—Men sit
paralyzed and helpless by the side of their buried treasures. After all,
those who do most good with money, do it with the least, because they can do
better than to acquire it.
skin of him, and was convinced that not
withstanding
what with rags and dirt he was more warmly
clad than I. They did not touch the ice with their hands. They who peddle it
in the summer use a grapple since fatal effects are found to follow the long
continued habit of handling it. Of course a great deal of work which was
done in advance in order to be prepared for the workmen to follow was lost,
and had to be done over again. Not only fresh snow had to be cropped off the
same area, but a rain or thaw succeeded by cold filled the grooves with ice
and spoiled that work; or worst of all rain & snow together might cover
the whole pond for the whole winter many inches deep with imperfect ice
which must be planed off. However, they removed this very fast. The plane
which was as wide as a cake took off 2 inches each bout & 3 horses could
break up as much as 10 could carry off. They used a rope with buoys to fence
and haul in the ice already cut when the wind blew it off shore. The ice is
commonly cut on the leeward side of the pond, so that the wind need not blow
the water over the edge into the grooves, where it would freeze and spoil
much work. They put snow into the ends of the grooves next the water to keep
it out. When it was necessary to scrape up much snow it sank the ice under
& so impeded the work. Also the ice sank & wore out where the men
stood on boards to load it, until the water stood above it, and the waves
also ate it away—so that they were obliged every day or two to occupy a new
place.
skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough, it is true, and that he
could afford to refuse the extra garments
which I offered him, he had so many intra
ones.
skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough, it is true, and that he
could afford to refuse the extra garments
which I offered him, he had so many intra
ones.
skin, though they were dirty and ragged enough, it is true, and that he
could afford to refuse the extra garments
which I offered him, he had so many intra
ones.
This ducking was the very thing he
required
needed.
needed.
Then I began to pity myself, and I saw that it would be a greater charity
to bestow on me a flannel shirt than a whole slop-shop
on him. There are
a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root, and
it may be that he who
bestows the largest amount of time and money on the needy is
doing the most by his mode of life to produce that misery which he strives in vain
to
relieve. It is the kindness of the master to his
slave—What if you spend a tenth part of your income in charity; probably you should spend the nine tenths and
be done with it. What does all the charity of England amount to —who with
her right hand withholds the soil & freedom from the masses, and with
her left builds work-houses—and does not let her left hand know what her
right hand does!
relieve.
It is the pious slave-breeder devoting the proceeds of every tenth
slave
to buy a Sunday’s liberty for the rest. Some show their
kindness to the poor by employing them in their kitchens.
What if they were to employ themselves in their own kitchens
instead?
Would they not be kinder if they employed themselves
there?
Would they not be kinder if they employed themselves there?
You boast of spending a tenth part of your income in charity; may be you
should spend the nine tenths so, and done with it.
The community
Society
recovers only a tenth part of the property then. Is this owing to the
generosity of him in whose possession it is found, or to the remissness of the
officers of justice?
The virtue of philanthropy
Philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is
sufficiently appreciated by mankind. Nay, it
Philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by
mankind. Nay, it
Philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by
mankind. Nay, it
Philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by
mankind. Nay, it
is greatly overrated; and it is our selfishness which overrates it.
A robust poor man, one sunny day here in Concord, praised a fellow-townsman
to me, because, as he said, he was kind to the poor; meaning himself.
The kind uncles and aunts of the race are more esteemed than its true
spiritual fathers and mothers. I once heard a reverend
lecturer on England, a man of learning and intelligence, after
enumerating her
scientific,
scientific,
literary, and political worthies, Shakspeare, Bacon,
Cromwell,
Cromwell,
Milton, Newton, and others, speak next of her Christian heroes, whom, as if
his profession required it of him, he elevated to a place far above all the rest,
as
the greatest of the great. They were Penn, Howard, and Mrs. Fry.
The least intelligent audience
The least intelligent audience
The least intelligent audience
Every one
Every one
must feel the falsehood and cant of this.
The last were not England's best men and women; only,
perhaps, her best philanthropists. The last were not the best
of her
England’s best men and women, only perhaps the
her best philanthropists.
The last were not England's best men and women; only, perhaps, her best
philanthropists.
The last were not England's best men and women; only, perhaps, her best
philanthropists.
The last were not England's best men and women; only, perhaps, her best
philanthropists.
I would not subtract
one iota
one iota
one iota
any thing
any thing
from the praise that is due to philanthropy, but merely demand justice for
all who by their lives and works are a blessing to mankind. I do not value chiefly
a man’s uprightness
and benevolence, which are, as it were, his stem and leaves.
Those plants of whose greenness withered we make herb tea for the sick, serve but
a humble use,
and are most employed by quacks.
and are most employed by quacks.
and are most employed by quacks.
and are most employed by quacks.
A man must serve another and a better
a higher use than any he can consciously
render
serve. Though you are a reformer,
we want not merely your wit and your grit, your independence and
freedom, your reasons which are your good roots & foundations, or
your
the wit and the grit of the reformer, his
independence and freedom, his reasons which are his roots, or his
uprightness and benevolence, which are your
his stem & leaves, but we want the flower
and fruit of a man. We demand some greenness, some flowering,
some ripeness perchance at least that some
fragrance at least, as of fresh spring life be
A man must serve another and a better
a higher use than any he can consciously
render
serve. Though you are a reformer,
we want not merely your wit and your grit, your independence and
freedom, your reasons which are your good roots & foundations, or
your
the wit and the grit of the reformer, his
independence and freedom, his reasons which are his roots, or his
uprightness and benevolence, which are your
his stem & leaves, but we want the flower
and fruit of a man. We demand some greenness, some flowering,
some ripeness perchance at least that some
fragrance at least, as of fresh spring life be
A man must serve another and a better
a higher use than any he can consciously
render
serve. Though you are a reformer,
we want not merely your wit and your grit, your independence and
freedom, your reasons which are your good roots & foundations, or
your
the wit and the grit of the reformer, his
independence and freedom, his reasons which are his roots, or his
uprightness and benevolence, which are your
his stem & leaves, but we want the flower
and fruit of a man. We demand some greenness, some flowering,
some ripeness perchance at least that some
fragrance at least, as of fresh spring life be
I want the flower and fruit of a man; that some fragrance be
I want the flower and fruit of a man; that some fragrance be
I want the flower and fruit of a man; that some fragrance be
I want the flower and fruit of a man; that some fragrance be
I want the flower and fruit of a man; that some fragrance be
wafted over from him to me, and some ripeness flavor our intercourse. His
goodness to me
goodness to me
goodness to me
goodness to me
goodness to me
goodness
goodness
goodness
must not be a partial and transitory act, but a constant superfluity, which
costs him nothing and of which he is unconscious.
This is a charity that hides a multitude of sins.
This is a charity that hides a multitude of sins.
This is a charity that hides a multitude of sins.
The philanthropist
commonly
too often
commonly
too often
commonly
too often
commonly
too often
commonly
too often
too often
too often
too often
surrounds mankind with the remembrance of his own cast-off griefs as an
atmosphere, and calls it sympathy.
We should impart our courage, and not our despair,
our health and ease, and not our disease, and take care that this does
not spread by contagion.
We should impart our courage, and not our despair,
our health and ease, and not our disease, and take care that this does
not spread by contagion.
We should impart our courage, and not our despair,
our health and ease, and not our disease, and take care that this does
not spread by contagion.
We should impart our courage, and not our despair,
our health and ease, and not our disease, and take care that this does
not spread by contagion.
We should impart our courage, and not our despair,
our health and ease, and not our disease, and take care that this does
not spread by contagion.
We should impart our courage, and not our despair, our health and ease,
and not our disease, and take care that this does not spread by
contagion.
We should impart our courage, and not our despair, our health and ease,
and not our disease, and take care that this does not spread by
contagion.
We should impart our courage, and not our despair, our health and ease,
and not our disease, and take care that this does not spread by
contagion.
From what southern plains comes up the voice of wailing? Under what
latitudes reside the heathen to whom we would send light?
Who is that intemperate and brutal man whom we would redeem?
If any thing ail a man, so that he does not perform his functions, if he
has
have
have
have
a pain in his bowels
even,—for that is the
source
seat
seat
seat
of sympathy,—he forthwith sets about reforming—the world. Being a microcosm
himself, he discovers, and it is a true discovery, and he is the man to make
it,—that the world has been eating green apples;
to his eyes, in
fact, the globe itself is a great green apple, which there is danger awful to
think of that the children of men will nibble before it is ripe; and straightway
his drastic philanthropy seeks out the Esquimaux and the Patagonian, and embraces
the populous Indian and Chinese villages; and thus, by a few years of
philanthropic activity, the powers in the mean while using him for their own ends,
no doubt,
no doubt,
no doubt,
no doubt,
he cures himself of his dyspepsia, the globe acquires a faint blush on one
or both
or both
or both
or both
of its cheeks, as if it were beginning to be
ripe, and life loses its
crudity and is once more sweet and wholesome to live.
I never dreamed of any enormity
so great as
greater than
greater than
I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know,
so bad a man as
a worse man than
a worse man than
myself.
I believe that what so saddens the reformer is not his
sympathy with his fellows in distress, but, though he be the holiest son of God,
it is
it is
it is
it is
it is
is
is
is
his private ail. Let this be righted, let the spring come to him, the
morning rise over his couch, and he will forsake his generous companions without
apology.
My excuse for not lecturing against the use of tobacco is, that I never
chewed it; that is a penalty which
reformed
reformed
reformed
reformed
tobacco-chewers have to pay; though there are things
enough which
enough
enough
enough
I have chewed, which I could lecture against. If you should ever be
betrayed into any of these
philanthropic actions
philanthropies—literally,
philanthropies,
philanthropies,
philanthropies,
do not let your left hand know
what your right hand does,
for it is not worth knowing.
for it is not worth knowing.
for it is not worth knowing.
for it is not worth knowing.
keep dark about it—that was excellent advice—for
comparatively comparatively, I say, it is a
deed of darkness and will not constitute you a child of
light.
Rescue the drowning and tie your shoe-strings. Take your time, and set
about some free labor.
Rescue the drowning and tie your shoe-strings. Take your time, and set
about some free labor.
Rescue the drowning and tie your shoe-strings. Take your time, and set
about some free labor.
Our manners have been corrupted
by communication with the saints. Our hymn-books resound with a melodious
cursing of God and enduring him forever. One would say that
even the prophets and redeemers had rather consoled the fears than
confirmed the hopes of man. There is nowhere recorded a simple and irrepressible
satisfaction with the gift of life, any memorable praise of God.
All health and success does me good, however far off and withdrawn it may
appear; all disease and failure helps to make me sad and does me evil,
however much sympathy it may have with me or I with it.
All health and success does me good, however far off and withdrawn it may
appear; all disease and failure helps to make me sad and does me evil,
however much sympathy it may have with me or I with it.
All health and success does me good, however far off and withdrawn it may
appear; all disease and failure helps to make me sad and does me evil,
however much sympathy it may have with me or I with it.
All health and success does me good, however far off and withdrawn it may
appear; all disease and failure helps to make me sad and does me evil,
however much sympathy it may have with me or I with it.
All health and success does me good, however far off and withdrawn it may
appear; all disease and failure helps to make me sad and does me evil,
however much sympathy it may have with me or I with it.
All health and success does me good, however far off and withdrawn it may
appear; all disease and failure helps to make me sad and does me evil,
however much sympathy it may have with me or I with it.
All health and success does me good, however far off and withdrawn it may
appear; all disease and failure helps to make me sad and does me evil,
however much sympathy it may have with me or I with it.
If,
then,
then,
then,
then,
then,
then,
then,
we would indeed
reform
restore
restore
restore
restore
restore
restore
restore
mankind by truly Indian, botanic, magnetic,
or natural means, let us
strive first to be
first be
first be
first be
first be
first be
first be
first be
as simple and well as Nature
ourselves. Let us
ourselves. Let us
ourselves. Let us
ourselves. Let us
ourselves. Let us
ourselves,
ourselves,
ourselves,
It is rare that we are able to impart wealth to our fellows,
and do not surround them with our own castoff griefs as an atmosphere, and
name it sympathy.
dispel the clouds which hang over our own brows, and take up a little life
into our pores. Do not stay to be an overseer of the poor, but endeavor to become one of the worthies of the
world.
dispel the clouds which hang over our own brows, and take up a little life
into our pores. Do not stay to be an overseer of the poor, but endeavor to become one of the worthies of the
world.
dispel the clouds which hang over our own brows, and take up a little life
into our pores. Do not stay to be an overseer of the poor, but endeavor to become one of the worthies of the
world.
dispel the clouds which hang over our own brows, and take up a little life
into our pores. Do not stay to be an overseer of the poor, but endeavor to become one of the worthies of the
world.
dispel the clouds which hang over our own brows, and take up a little life
into our pores. Do not stay to be an overseer of the poor, but endeavor to become one of the worthies of the
world.
dispel the clouds which hang over our own brows, and take up a little life
into our pores. Do not stay to be an overseer of the poor, but endeavor to become one of the worthies of the
world.
dispel the clouds which hang over our own brows, and take up a little life
into our pores. Do not stay to be an overseer of the poor, but endeavor to become one of the worthies of the
world.
For my own part I would fain be azad or free like the
green cypress tree—I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
read in the Gulistan, or Flower Garden, of Sheik Sadi of Shiraz,
that “They asked a wise man, saying: Of the many celebrated trees which the Most High
God has created lofty and umbrageous, they call none azad,
or free, excepting the cypress, which bears no fruit; what
mystery is there in this? He replied; Each has its appropriate produce, and appointed
season, during the continuance of which it is fresh and blooming, and during their
absence dry and withered; to neither of which states is the cypress exposed, being
always flourishing; and of this nature are the azads, or religious independents.—Fix
not thy heart on that which is transitory; for the Dijlah,
or Tigris, will continue to flow through Bagdad after the race of
caliphs is extinct: if thy hand has plenty, be liberal as the date tree; but if it
affords nothing to give away, be an azad, or free man, like the cypress.”
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