Walden: Conclusion

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Walden: Conclusion

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  • Version_D: Walden, Version D (1852)
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XVersion
Conclusion n
Note: The title "Conclusion" is written in pencil in the original version, in ink in the fair copy, at the top of the leaf containing Conclusion 1. (R. Clapper)
1
Conclusion 1 written: F rewritten: F
F1: Thank Heaven, here is not all the world … awaits him by the Yellowstone is interlined in pencil.

(Ronald Clapper)
TO THE sick the doctors wisely recommend a change of air and scenery. Thank Heaven, here is not all the world. The buck-eye does not grow in New England, and the mocking-bird is rarely heard here. The wild- goose is more of a cosmopolite than we; he breaks his fast in Canada, takes a luncheon in the r
Revision note: F1: Susquehanna
Susquehanna Ohio
Ohio Ohio
, and plumes himself for the night in a r
Revision note: F1: Louisiana
Louisiana southern
southern southern
bayou. Even the bison, to some extent, keeps pace with the seasons, cropping the pastures of the Colorado only till a greener and sweeter grass awaits him by the Yellowstone. Yet we think that if rail-fences are pulled down, and stone-walls set up built up piled up piled up piled up on our farms, bounds are henceforth set to our lives and our fates decided. If you are chosen town-clerk, forsooth, you cannot go to Tierra del Fuego this summer: but you may go to the land of infernal fire nevertheless. but you may go to the land of infernal fire nevertheless. r
Revision note: F1: Even True the universe is wider than our views of it
True, the universe is wider than our views of it
The universe is wider than our views of it The universe is wider than our views of it
.
2
Conclusion 2 written: F rewritten: F
F1: Yet we should oftener look … diseases of the skin merely and It is not worth the while … to get at the inside at last are interlined in pencil.
F2: A fair copy was made of only Yet we should oftener look … I have more of God, they more of the road.

(Ronald Clapper)
r
Revision note: F1: But
But Yet
Yet Yet
we should oftener look r
Revision note: F1: off from
off from over the tafferel of
over the tafferel of over the tafferel of
our craft, like curious passengers, and not make the voyage like stupid r
Revision note: F1: sailors who rarely look over the tafferel but spend the fair weather picking oakum
sailors picking oakum, who rarely look over the tafferel
sailors picking oakum sailors picking oakum
. The other side of the globe is but the home of our correspondent. r
Revision note: F1: It
It Our voyaging
Our voyaging Our voyaging
is only great-circle sailing, and the doctors prescribe for diseases of the skin merely. One hastens to Southern Africa to chase the giraffe; but surely that is not the game he would be after. How long, pray, would a man hunt giraffes if he could? Snipes and woodcocks also may afford rare sport; but r
Revision note: F1: would it not it would
I trust it would
I trust it would I trust it would
be nobler game to shoot one’s self.—
 
"Direct your eye sight inward, and you’ll find
 
A thousand regions in your mind
 
Yet undiscovered. Travel them, and be
 
Expert in home-cosmography."
What does Africa,—what does the West stand for? Is not our own interior white on the chart? black though it may prove, like the coast, when discovered. Is it the source of the Nile, or the Niger, or the Mississippi, or a North-West Passage around this r
Revision note: F1: globe
globe continent
continent continent
, that we would find? Are these the problems r
Revision note: F1: that
that which
which which
most concern mankind? Is Franklin the only man r
Revision note: F1: that
that who
who who
is lost, that his wife should be so earnest to find him? that his wife should be so earnest to find him? that his wife should be so earnest to find him? Does Mr. Grinnell know where he himself himself himself is? Be rather the Mungo Park, the Lewis and Clark and Frobisher, of your own streams and oceans; explore your own higher latitudes,— with shiploads of preserved meats to support you, with shiploads of preserved meats to support you with shiploads of preserved meats to support you , r
Revision note: F1: if it be necessary
if it they be necessary and pile the empty meat cans sky-high for a sign to guide your successors. Were preserved meats invented to preserve meat merely?
if they be necessary; and pile the empty cans sky-high for a sign. Were preserved meats invented to preserve meat merely? if they be necessary; and pile the empty cans sky-high for a sign. Were preserved meats invented to preserve meat merely?
Nay, be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought. Every man is the lord of a realm beside which the earthly empire of the Czar is but a petty state, r
Revision note: F1:
a hummock left by the ice.
a hummock left by the ice a hummock left by the ice
. Yet some can be patriotic who have no self -respect, sacrificing & sacrifice and sacrifice and sacrifice the greater to the less. They , as it were, They They love the soil that which which which makes their graves, but have no sympathy with the spirit r
Revision note: F1: that may still animate which animates
which animates may still animate
which may still animate which may still animate
their clay. r
Revision note: F1:
Patriotism is a maggot in their heads. They are not so patriotic as their forefathers in the churchyard.
Patriotism is a maggot in their heads. Patriotism is a maggot in their heads.
What was the meaning of that South-Sea South-Sea South-Sea Exploring Expedition, with all its parade and expense, but an indirect recognition of the fact, that there are continents and seas in the moral world, to which every man is an isthmus or an inlet, yet unexplored by him, but that it is easier to sail many thousand miles through cold and storm and r
Revision note: F1: savage cannibals
savage cannibals
cannibals cannibals
, in a government ship, with five hundred men and boys to assist one, than it is to explore the private sea, the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean of one’s being alone.—
 
"Erret, et extremos alter scrutetur Iberos.
 
lus habet hic vitæ, plus habet ille viæ."
 
Let them wander and scrutinize the outlandish Australians.
 
I have more of God, they more of the road. It is not worth the while to go round the world to count the cats in Zanzibar.
However Yet Yet Yet do this even till you can do better, and you may perhaps find some "Symmes’ Hole" by which to get at the inside at last. at last. England and France, Spain and Portugal, Gold Coast and Slave Coast, all front on this private sea; but no bark from them has ventured out of sight of land, though it is without doubt the direct way to India. If you would learn to speak all tongues and conform to the customs of all nations, if you would travel farther than all travellers, be naturalized in all climes, vanquish all the chimeras climes, climes, and cause the Sphinx go to to to dash her bead against a stone, obey the precept of the old philosopher & know even obey the precept of the old philosopher, and Explore even obey the precept of the old philosopher, and Explore thyself. Herein are demanded the eye and the nerve. Only the defeated and deserters go to the wars, cowards that run away and enlist. Start now on that farthest western way, which does not pause at the Mississippi or the Pacific, nor conduct toward a worn-out China or Japan, but leads on direct a tangent to this sphere, summer and winter, day and night, sun down, moon down, and at last earth down too. Start now on that farthest western way, which does not pause at the Mississippi or the Pacific, nor conduct toward a worn-out China or Japan, but leads on direct a tangent to this sphere, summer and winter, day and night, sun down, moon down, and at last earth down too. Start now on that farthest western way, which does not pause at the Mississippi or the Pacific, nor conduct toward a worn-out China or Japan, but leads on direct a tangent to this sphere, summer and winter, day and night, sun down, moon down, and at last earth down too.
3
Conclusion 3 written: F rewritten: F
F2: A fair copy was made of only sacred laws, and so have tested his resolution … chance to meet with such.

(Ronald Clapper)
It is said that Mirabeau took to highway robbery "to ascertain what degree of resolution was necessary in order to place one’s self in formal opposition to the most sacred laws of society." He declared that "a soldier who fights in the ranks does not require half so much courage as a foot-pad," "that honor and religion have never stood in the way of a well-considered and a firm resolve." "Tell me, Du Saillant," said he, "when you lead your regiment into the heat of battle, to conquer a province to which he whom you call your master has no right whatever, do you consider that you are performing a better action than mine, in stopping your friend on the king’s highway, and demanding his purse?"—"I obey without reasoning," replied the count. "And I reason without obeying, when obedience appears to me contrary to reason," rejoined Mirabeau resolve." resolve." This was even manly manly manly , as the world goes; and yet it was idle, if not desperate. A saner man would have found himself often enough "in formal opposition" to what are deemed what are deemed "the most sacred laws of society," through obedience to yet more sacred laws, and so have tested his r
Revision note: F1: resolution in the natural course of events
resolution in the natural course of events
resolution resolution
without going out of his way. It is not for a man to put himself in such an attitude to society, but to maintain himself in whatever attitude he find himself through obedience to the laws of his being, which will never be one of opposition to a just government, if he should chance to meet with r
Revision note: F1: any such. Let us We would not have a rabid virtue that will be revenged on society, and descends on it, not like the morning dew to refresh it, but like the fervid noon-day sun to wither it
any such. We would not have a rabid virtue that will be revenged on society, and descends on it, not like the morning dew to refresh it, but like the fervid noon-day sun to wither it
such. such.
4
Conclusion 4 written: F rewritten: F

(Ronald Clapper)
If any the reader think that I am vain glorious and set myself up above others, I assure them him that I could tell a pitiful story respecting myself as well as them him, if my spirits held out. I could encourage them him with a sufficient list of failures, and flow as humbly as the very gutters. I think worse of myself than they can possibly he is likely to think of me, and better too perchance, being better acquainted with the man. And finally I will tell them him this secret, if they he will not abuse my confidence—I put the best face on the matter. I I I left the woods for r
Revision note: F1: the same reason that
the same reason that as good a reason as
as good a reason as as good a reason as
I went there. Perhaps it seemed to me , perchance, Perhaps it seemed to me Perhaps it seemed to me that I had several more lives to live, and could not spare any more time for that one. It is r
Revision note: F1: astonishing , moreover,
astonishing remarkable
remarkable remarkable
how easily and insensibly we fall into a particular route, and make a beaten track for ourselves. I had not lived there r
Revision note: F1: a week at the pond
there a week at the pond
a week a week
before my feet wore a path from my door to the pond-side; and now though and though and though it is five or six years since it was trodden by me I trod it I trod it I trod it , it is still still still quite distinct. r
Revision note: F1: so hard is it to obliterate, and, beside True
It is True
It is true It is true
, I fear that others may have fallen into r
Revision note: F1: it since
it since
it it
, and so helped to keep it open and so helped to keep it open and so helped to keep it open . The surface of the earth is soft and impressible by the feet of men; and so is it and so and so with the paths which the mind travels. How worn and dusty, then, must be the highways of the world, how deep the ruts of tradition and r
Revision note: F1: convention
convention conformity
conformity conformity
! I did not wish for a ticket to the boxes, nor had wished not to take a cabin passage . I will rather but rather to did not wish to take a cabin passage, but rather did not wish to take a cabin passage, but rather to go before the mast and on the deck of the world, I have no desire to go abaft the engine for here I shall there I could for there for there I could best see the moonlight amid the mountains. r
Revision note: F1:
I do not wish to go below now.
I do not wish to go below now I do not wish to go below now
.
5
Conclusion 5 written: E rewritten: F
E: The auxiliary verb "shall" instead of "will" appears throughout the original copying of Conclusion 5; "shall" is canceled and "will" is interlined in pencil.
E: The passage below follows Conclusion 5. Two versions in F can be found in Conclusion 4 and Conclusion 9. If the reader thinks that I am vain glorious and set [myself up above others], I assure him that I could tell a pitiful story respecting myself as well as him if my spirits held out, could encourage him with a sufficient list of failures, and flow as humbly as the gutters. I think worse of myself than he is likely to think of me, and better too perchance being better acquainted with the man. Finally I will tell him this secret, if he will not betray abuse my confidence, I put the best face on the matter.

(Ronald Clapper)
I learned this, at least by my experiment in the woods, of more value perhaps than all the rest at least, by my experiment at least, by my experiment at least, by my experiment : that if one advances confidently but without willfulness though merely though only confidently , but without willfulness, though only confidently confidently in the direction of his dreams, and lives endeavors to live endeavors to live endeavors to live endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success wholly quite unexpected in common hours, and the result will in a measure miraculously answer to his faith quite unexpected in common hours , and the result will in a measure, miraculously answer to his faith unexpected in common hours unexpected in common hours . He will put some things behind him; he behind, behind, behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, more universal & more universal, and more universal, and more universal, and more liberal laws will begin silently to begin silently to begin to begin to establish themselves around and within him; heaven lie about him in his manhood even him; heaven lie about him in his manhood even him; him; or the old laws be expanded, and interpreted in his favor in a larger & more larger and more more more liberal sense, and he will live to a certain extent live , to a certain extent, live live with the license of a higher order of beings. In proportion as he has simplified simplifies simplifies simplifies simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and and and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.
6a
Conclusion 6a written: F rewritten: G

(Ronald Clapper)
It is a ridiculous demand which England and America make, that you shall speak so that they can understand you. Neither men nor toad-stools grow so Neither men nor toad-stools grow so Neither men nor toad-stools grow so . As if that were important, and there were not enough to understand you without them. All joy that surpasseth their understanding they note to be a bore them. them. 6b
Conclusion 6b written: F rewritten: F, G

(Ronald Clapper)
As if Nature could support but one order of understandings, could support but one order of understandings, could not sustain birds as well as quadrupeds, flying as well as creeping things, and as if and hush and hush and who , which Bright can understand, were the best English , and the truest and most thrilling biography were written in the day-book and ledger. If ours is not to be the sleep of gods & infants, give me him for a companion who has the most beautiful dreams. If you are comprehended by one sane mind it is more than enough English English . 6c
Conclusion 6c written: F rewritten: F, G
F1: Conclusion 6c precedes Conclusion 6b.

(Ronald Clapper)
r
Revision note: F1: If &
& As if
As if As if
there were safety in stupidity alone , and in this world of dreamers, the dullest dreamer who merely snores responsive to the level of his bed-fellows’ slumbering understandings, were the best fellow & the wisest alone alone . 6d
Conclusion 6d written: G
G: In view of the future … to superior natures is interlined.

(Ronald Clapper)
I fear only chiefly chiefly lest my expression may not be extra- vagant enough, may not wander far enough beyond the narrow limits of my daily experience, so as to be adequate to the truth of which I have been convinced. Extra vagance! it depends upon on on how you are yarded. The migrating buffalo, which seeks new pastures in another latitude, is not so extravagant as like extravagant like the cow which kicks over the pail, leaps the cow-yard fence, and runs after her calf, in milking time. I desire to speak somewhere without bounds; like a man in a waking moment, to men in their waking moments; for I am convinced that I cannot exaggerate enough even to lay the foundation of a true expression. Who that has heard a strain of music feared that then lest then lest he should speak extravagantly any more forever? In view of the future or possible, we should live quite laxly and undefined in front, our outlines dim and shadowy misty misty on that side; as the shadow of objects reveals our shadows reveal our shadows reveal an insensible perspiration toward the sun. The volatile truth of our words should continually betray the inadequacy of the residual statement. Look not into the ashes for the sublimate. Shall our words never be vague, misty, smoking like censers, significant and fragrant to those above, and adequate to the faith & piety of those below? statement. Their truth is instantly translated ; its literal monument alone remains. The words which express our faith and piety are not definite; yet they are significant and fragrant like frankincense to superior natures.
7a
Conclusion 7a written: F rewritten: G

(Ronald Clapper)
Why level downward to our dullest perception always, and praise that for as for as as common sense? The commonest sense is the sense of men asleep, which they express by snoring. Sometimes we men we we we are inclined to class those who are once-and-a-half witted with the half-witted, because we they we we we appreciate only a third part of their wit. How could we do without the mystics even? As well do without chemistry or the morning-red. Some would find fault with the morning-red if they ever got up early enough Some would find fault with the morning-red, if they ever got up early enough Some would find fault with the morning-red, if they ever got up early enough . 7b
Conclusion 7b written: F rewritten: F, G
G: A fair copy was made of only "They pretend," as I hear, "that the verses of Kabir have four different senses; illusion.

(Ronald Clapper)
"They pretend," as I hear, as I hear, "that the verses of Kabir have four different senses; illusion, spirit, intellect, and the exoteric doctrine of the Vedas:" but in this part of the world it is considered a ground r
Revision note: F1: of offense
of offense for complaint
for complaint for complaint
if a man’s writings admit of more than one interpretation. 7c
Conclusion 7c written: F rewritten: F
F1: Conclusion 7c follows Conclusion 7a and precedes Conclusion 7b.

(Ronald Clapper)
While England endeavors to cure the potato-rot, will not any endeavor to cure the brain-rot, which prevails r
Revision note: F1: to so alarming as extent
to so alarming an extent so much more widely & fatally
so much more widely and fatally so much more widely and fatally
?
8a
Conclusion 8a written: F rewritten: F

(Ronald Clapper)
r
Revision note: F1: Let me not suppose I do not imagine
I do not imagine suppose
I do not suppose I do not suppose
that I have attained to obscurity, r
Revision note: F1: my shallow meaning is but too clear. Nevertheless But I should be glad
but I should be glad proud
but I should be proud but I should be proud
if no more fatal fault were found with my pages on this score than was found with the Walden ice. 8b
Conclusion 8b written: E rewritten: F, F
E: Conclusion 8b follows Pond in Winter 18c and precedes Pond in Winter 18d.

(Ronald Clapper)
I was told that southern I was told that southern Southern Southern customers objected to its blue color, r
Revision note: F1:
which is evidence of its purity, which is evidence of its purity,
as if it were muddy, and preferred the Fresh Pond Fresh Pond Cambridge Cambridge Cambridge ice, which is white, but tastes of weeds. The purity men love is r
Revision note: F1:
like
like like
the mists which envelop the earth, and not like the pure azure azure azure azure ether beyond.
9
Conclusion 9 written: F rewritten: F

(Ronald Clapper)
If the reader thinks that I am vain glorious & set myself above others, I assure him that I can could tell a pitiful story respecting myself as well as him, if my spirits held out, could encourage him with a sufficient list of failures, and flow as humbly as the gutters. I think worse of myself than he is likely to think of me, and better too perchance being better acquainted with the man. Finally, I will tell him this secret, if he will not abuse my confidence—I put the best face on the matter. Though you are a fungus you are still required to emit the sweetest odor that you can. Some Some Some are dinning in our ears that we Americans, and moderns generally, are intellectual dwarfs compared with the ancients, or even with or even or even the Elizabethan men. But what is that to the purpose? A living dog is better than a dead lion. Shall a man go and hang himself because he belongs to the race of pygmies, and not be the biggest pygmy that he can? Let every man one one mind his own business, and endeavor to be what he was made.
10
Conclusion 10 written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep step pace pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let a man him him him step to the music which he hears, however measured and however or or or far away. It is not important that he should mature as soon as an apple-tree or an oak. Shall he turn his spring to into into into summer? If the condition of things which which which we were made for is not yet, what were any reality which we can substitute? We will not be shipwrecked on a vain reality. Shall we with pains erect a heaven of blue glass over ourselves, though when it is done we shall be sure to gaze still at the true ethereal heaven far above, as if the former were not?
11
Conclusion 11 written: D rewritten: E, F
D: Conclusion 11 is interlined in pencil.
E: A fair copy was made of only There was an artist … creations of Brahma. He had made a new.
F: A fair copy was made of only system in making a staff … be other than wonderful?

(Ronald Clapper)
There was an artist who lived artistwho lived artist artist artist in the city of Kouroo who was truly disposed trulydisposed disposed disposed disposed to strive after perfection. One day it came into his head head mind mind mind mind to make a staff. Having considered that in an imperfect work time is an ingredient, but into a perfect work time does not enter, he said to himself, It shall be perfect in all respects, though I should do nothing else in all my allmy my my my life. He proceeded instantly to the forest for material wood wood wood wood wood , being determined determined resolved resolved resolved resolved that it should not be made of unsuitable wood material material material material material ; and as he searched for for for for and rejected stick after stick, his friends gradually deserted him, for they grew old in their works and died, but still butstill but but but he grew not older by a moment. His singleness of purpose and resolution, and his elevated piety, endowed him, without his knowledge, with perennial youth. As he made no compromise with Time, Time kept out of his way, and only sighed at a distance to think that to think that because because because because he could not overcome him. Before he had found a stock in all respects suitable the city of Kouroo was a hoary ruin, and he sat on one of its mounds to peel the stick. Before he had given it the proper shape the dynasty of the Candahars was at an end, and with the smaller end smaller end point point point point of the stick he wrote the name of the last of that race in the sand, and then resumed his work. By the time he had smoothed and polished the staff Kalpa was no longer the north star north star pole-star pole-star pole-star pole-star ; and ere he had put on the ferrule and the head adorned with precious stones, Brahma had awoke and slumbered many times. But why do I stay to mention these things? When the finishing stroke was put to his work, it suddenly expanded before the eyes of the astonished artist into the fairest of all the creations of Brahma. He had made a new universe universe system system system system in making a staff, a world with fun and fair proportions; in which, though the old cities and dynasties had passed away, fairer and more glorious ones had taken their places. And now he saw by the heap of shavings still fresh at his feet, that, for him and his work, the former lapse of time had been an illusion, and that no more time had elapsed than is required for a single scintillation from the brain of Brahma to fall on and inflame the tinder of a mortal brain. The material was pure, and his art was pure; and how then how how how how could the result be otherwise otherwise otherwise other other than wonderful?
12a
Conclusion 12a written: D rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
r
Revision note: D1: We forget to be true in all our positions & relations. No face of the
No face of which we can give to the a
No face which we can give to a No face which we can give to a No face which we can give to a No face which we can give to a
matter will stead us so well at last r
Revision note: D1: as just
as just
as as as as
the truth. r
Revision note: D1: Truth is like the stuff called everlasting, it will wear
Truth is like the stuff called everlasting, it This alone wears well
This alone wears This alone wears This alone wears This alone wears
well. Some men are never where they For the most part we are not where we For the most part, we are not where we For the most part, we are not where we For the most part, we are not where we For the most part, we are not where we are, but in a false position. r
Revision note: D1: By an infirmity of their our natures, they we suppose a case & put themselves into it, and hence they we are in two cases, the actual & the supposed, at the same time, which is to be in a dilemma
By an infirmity of our natures, we suppose a case and put ourselves into it, and hence we are in two cases , the actual and the supposed at the same time, which is to be in a dilemma,
Through an infinity of our natures, we suppose a case, and put ourselves into it, and hence are in two cases at the same time, Through an infinity of our natures, we suppose a case, and put ourselves into it, and hence are in two cases at the same time, Through an infinity of our natures, we suppose a case, and put ourselves into it, and hence are in two cases at the same time, Through an infinity of our natures, we suppose a case, and put ourselves into it, and hence are in two cases at the same time,
and it is doubly difficult to get out. r
Revision note: D1: A few In healthy & true men moments we
In healthy and true sane moments we
In sane moments we In sane moments we In sane moments we In sane moments we
regard only the facts, the case that is. 12b
Conclusion 12b written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
Say what you have to say, not what you ought. Any truth is presentable better than make-believe better than make-believe. better than make-believe. Tom Hyde, the tinker, standing on the gallows, was asked if he had any thing to say. "Tell the tailors," said he, "to remember to make a knot in their thread before they take the first stitch." His companion’s prayer is forgotten.
13a
Conclusion 13a written: D rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are richest. The fault-finder will find faults even in paradise. Love your life, poor as it is. You may r
Revision note: D1: perchance
perchance perhaps
perhaps perhaps perhaps perhaps
have some pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, even in a poor-house. The setting sun is reflected from the windows of the alms-house as brightly as from the rich man’s abode; the snow melts before its door as early in the spring. I do not see but a quiet mind may live as contentedly there, and have as cheering thoughts, as in a palace. The town’s poor seem to me often to live the most independent lives of any. r
Revision note: D1: Perchance
Perchance May be
May be May be May be May be
they are simply great enough to receive without misgiving. Most think that they are above being supported by the town; but it oftener happens that they are not above supporting themselves by dishonest means, which should be more disreputable. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself r
Revision note: D1:
much
much much much much
to get new things, whether clothes or r
Revision note: D1: friends. There is dissipation in it
friends. There is dissipation in it
friends. friends. friends. friends.
Turn the old; return to them. Things do not change; we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society . If I were confined to a corner of a garret all my days, like a spider, the world would be just as large to me while I had my thoughts about me. Confucius says The philosopher said The philosopher said The philosopher said The philosopher said The philosopher said : "From an army of three divisions one can take away its general, and put it in disorder; from the man the most abject and vulgar one cannot take away his thought." Do not seek so anxiously so anxiously so anxiously so anxiously to be developed, to subject yourself to many influences to be played on; it is all dissipation. Humility like darkness reveals the heavenly lights. The shadows of poverty and meanness gather around us, "and lo! creation widens to our view." 13b
Conclusion 13b written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
I am We are We are We are often reminded that if there were bestowed on me us us us the wealth of Crœsus, my our our our aims must still be the same, and my our our our means essentially the same. Moreover, if you are restricted in your range by poverty, if you cannot buy books and newspapers, for instance for instance, for instance, , you are but confined to the most significant and vital experiences; you are compelled to deal with the material which yields the most sugar and the most starch. It is life near the bone where it is sweetest. You are defended from being a trifler. No man loses ever on a lower level by magnanimity on a higher. Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only. Money is not required to buy one necessary of the soul.
14
Conclusion 14 written: D

(Ronald Clapper)
It seems to me one sometimes that I I I I I live in the angle of a leaden wall, into whose composition was poured a little alloy of bell metal. Sometimes Often Often Often Often Often , in the repose of my his my my my my mid-day, there reaches my his my my my my ears a confused tintinnabulum from without. It is the noise of my his my my my my contemporaries. My friends neighbors neighbors neighbors neighbors neighbors tell me of their adventures with famous gentlemen and ladies, what notabilities they met at the dinner-table; but I am no more interested in such things than in the contents of the Daily Times. The interest and the conversation were are are are are are about costume and manners chiefly; chiefly; chiefly; chiefly; but a goose is a goose still, dress it as you will. They tell me of California and Texas, of England and the Indies, of the Hon. Mr so & so Mr. ——— Mr. ——— Mr. ——— Mr. ——— of Georgia or of Massachusetts, all transient and fleeting phenomena, till I am almost wearied to death ready to leap from their court-yard like the Mameluke bey ready to leap from their court-yard like the Mameluke bey ready to leap from their court-yard like the Mameluke bey ready to leap from their court-yard like the Mameluke bey . I delight to come to my bearings,— not walk in procession with pomp and parade, in a conspicuous place, in a conspicuous place in a conspicuous place in a conspicuous place in a conspicuous place , but to walk even even even even with the Builder of the universe, if I may, if I may, if I may, if I may, — not to live in this restless, nervous, bustling, trivial trivial trivial trivial trivial Nineteenth Century, but stand or sit thoughtfully while it goes by. What are men celebrating? They are all on a committee of arrangements, and hourly hourly hourly hourly hourly expect a speech from somebody. God is only the president of the day, and Webster is his orator. I love to weigh, to settle, to gravitate to drive toward God or the devil or whoever most whatever be the name of that which most strongly attracts, not to toward that which most strongly and rightfully attracts me;—not toward that which most strongly and rightfully attracts me;—not toward that which most strongly and rightfully attracts me;—not toward that which most strongly and rightfully attracts me;—not hang by the beam of the scale and try to weigh less, and try to weigh less and try to weigh less and try to weigh less and try to weigh less , —not suppose a case, but take the case that is; to travel the only path I can, and that on which no power can resist me. It affords me no satisfaction to commence to spring an arch before I have got a solid foundation. Let us not play at kittly-benders. There is a solid bottom every where. We read that the traveller asked the boy if the swamp before him had a hard bottom. The boy replied that it had. But presently the traveller’s horse sank in up to his belly the girths the girths the girths the girths the girths , and he observed to the boy, "I thought you said that this bog had a hard bottom." "So it has," said answered answered answered answered the latter, "but you have not got half way to it yet." So it is with the bogs and quicksands of society; but it’s he is he is he is he is an old boy that knows it. Only what is thought said or done at a certain rare coincidence is good. I would not be one of those who will foolishly drive a nail into mere lath and plastering; such a deed would keep me awake nights. Give me a hammer, and let me feel for the furring. Do not depend on the putty. Drive a nail home and clinch it so faithfully that you can wake up in the night and think of it your work your work your work your work your work with satisfaction,— and have God for your abettor a work a work a work a work at which you would not be ashamed to invoke the Muse. So will help you God, and so only. Every nail driven should be as another rivet in the machine of the universe, you are carrying carrying carrying carrying carrying on the work.
15
Conclusion 15 written: D

(Ronald Clapper)
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, and obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board. The hospitality was as cold as the ices. I thought that there was not no no no no need of ice to freeze them. They talked to me of the age of the wine and the fame of the vintage; but I thought of an older, and a newer a newer a newer a newer a newer , and purer wine, of a more glorious vintage, which they had not got, and could not buy. I might have done better had I called on the man who lived in a hollow tree. The style, the house & grounds & entertainment pass comparatively for nothing with me. I called on the king but he made me wait in his hall, & he conducted as a man incapacitated for hospitality. The too exquisitely cultivated I avoid as I do the theater. Their life lacks reality. They offer me wine instead of water. They are surrounded by things that can be bought. They have already sold themselves. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him The style, the house and grounds and "entertainment" pass for nothing with me. I called on the king, but he made me wait in his hall, and conducted like a man incapacitated for hospitality. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him The style, the house and grounds and "entertainment" pass for nothing with me. I called on the king, but he made me wait in his hall, and conducted like a man incapacitated for hospitality. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him The style, the house and grounds and "entertainment" pass for nothing with me. I called on the king, but he made me wait in his hall, and conducted like a man incapacitated for hospitality. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him The style, the house and grounds and "entertainment" pass for nothing with me. I called on the king, but he made me wait in his hall, and conducted like a man incapacitated for hospitality. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him .
16
Conclusion 16 written: E

(Ronald Clapper)
How long shall we sit in our porticoes practising idle and musty virtues, which any work would make impertinent or superfluous & superfluous impertinent impertinent impertinent ? As if one were to begin the day with long-suffering, and hire a man to hoe his potatoes; and in the afternoon go forth to practise Christian meekness and humility charity charity charity charity with goodness aforethought! Consider the China pride and stagnant self-complacency of mankind. This generation reclines a little to congratulate itself on being the last of an illustrious line; and in Boston and London and Paris and Rome, thinking of its long descent, it speaks of its progress in art and science and literature with satisfaction. Consider There are There are There are There are the Records of the Philosophical Societies, and the public Eulogies of Great Men ! It is the good Adam contemplating his own virtue. "Yes, we have done great deeds, and sung divine songs, which shall never die,"— that is, as long as we can remember them. The learned societies and great men of Assyria,—where are they? This is the world that is too much with us, since we can entertain but one at a time The lerned societies & great men of Assyria,—where are they? The learned societies and great men of Assyria,—where are they? The learned societies and great men of Assyria,—where are they? The learned societies and great men of Assyria,—where are they? What youthful philosophers and experimentalists we are! There is not one of my readers who has yet lived a whole human life. These are may be may be may be may be but the spring months in the life of the race. If we have had the seven-years’ itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord If we have had the seven-years’ itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord If we have had the seven-years’ itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord If we have had the seven-years’ itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord . We are acquainted with a mere pellicle of the globe on which we live on which we live on which we live on which we live . Most have not delved six feet beneath the surface, nor leaped as many above it. We know not where we are. Beside, we are sound asleep nearly half our time Beside, we are sound asleep nearly half our time Beside, we are sound asleep nearly half our time Beside, we are sound asleep nearly half our time . Yet we esteem ourselves wise, and have an established order on the surface. Truly, we are deep thinkers, we are ambitious spirits! As I stand over the insect crawling amid the pine needles of the pine pine needles pine needles pine needles on the forest floor, and endeavoring to conceal itself from my sight, and ask myself why it will cherish those humble thoughts, and bide its head from me who might perhaps perhaps perhaps perhaps be its benefactor, and impart to its race such some some some some cheering information, I am reminded of the greater Benefactor and Intelligence that stands over me the human insect.
17
Conclusion 17 written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
There is an incessant influx of novelty into the world, and yet we tolerate incredible dulness. I have need only to need only need only suggest what kind of sermons are still listened to in the most enlightened countries. There are such words as joy and sorrow, but they are only the burden of a song psalm psalm psalm , sung with a nasal twang, while we believe in the ordinary and mean. We suppose think think think that we can change our clothes only. We think It is said It is said It is said that the British Empire is very large and respectable, and that the United States are a first-rate power. But we We We do not believe that a tide rises and falls behind every man which can float the British Empire like a chip, if he should ever harbor it in his mind if he should ever harbor it in his mind if he should ever harbor it in his mind . Who knows what sort of seventeen-year locust will next come out of the ground? The government of the world I live in was not framed, like that of Britain like that of Britain like that of Britain , in after-dinner conversations over the wine.
18
Conclusion 18 written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
The life in us is like the water in the river. It may rise this year higher than it was man has ever known to before it man has ever known it man has ever known it , and flood the parched uplands; even this may be the eventful year, which will & which will which will which will drown out all our muskrats. It was not always dry land where we dwell It was not always dry land where we dwell It was not always dry land where we dwell . MethinksI I I see far inland the banks which the stream anciently washed, before science began to record its freshets. Every one has heard the story which has gone the rounds of New England, of a strong and beautiful bug which came out of the dry leaf of an old table of apple-tree wood, which had stood in a farmer’s kitchen for sixty years, first in Connecticut, and afterward in Massachusetts,—from an egg deposited in the living tree many years earlier still, as appeared by counting the annual layers beyond it; which was heard gnawing out for several weeks, hatched perchance by the heat of an urn. Who does not feel his faith in a resurrection and immortality strengthened by hearing of this? Who knows what beautiful and winged life, whose egg has been buried for ages under many concentric layers of woodenness in the dead dry life of society, deposited at first in the alburnum of the green and living tree, which has been gradually converted into the semblance of its well-seasoned tomb,—heard perchance gnawing out now for years by the astonished family of man, as they sat round the festive board,—may unexpectedly come forth from amidst society’s most trivial and handselled furniture, to enjoy its perfect summer life at last!
19
Conclusion 19 written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
I do not say that John or Jonathan, that this generation or the next, Jonathan Jonathan will realize all this; but such is the character of that morrow which mere lapse of time can never make to dawn. The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star.
 
THE END
XVersion
Conclusion n
Note: The title "Conclusion" is written in pencil in the original version, in ink in the fair copy, at the top of the leaf containing Conclusion 1. (R. Clapper)
1
Conclusion 1 written: F rewritten: F
F1: Thank Heaven, here is not all the world … awaits him by the Yellowstone is interlined in pencil.

(Ronald Clapper)
TO THE sick the doctors wisely recommend a change of air and scenery. Thank Heaven, here is not all the world. The buck-eye does not grow in New England, and the mocking-bird is rarely heard here. The wild- goose is more of a cosmopolite than we; he breaks his fast in Canada, takes a luncheon in the r
Revision note: F1: Susquehanna
Susquehanna Ohio
Ohio Ohio
, and plumes himself for the night in a r
Revision note: F1: Louisiana
Louisiana southern
southern southern
bayou. Even the bison, to some extent, keeps pace with the seasons, cropping the pastures of the Colorado only till a greener and sweeter grass awaits him by the Yellowstone. Yet we think that if rail-fences are pulled down, and stone-walls set up built up piled up piled up piled up on our farms, bounds are henceforth set to our lives and our fates decided. If you are chosen town-clerk, forsooth, you cannot go to Tierra del Fuego this summer: but you may go to the land of infernal fire nevertheless. but you may go to the land of infernal fire nevertheless. r
Revision note: F1: Even True the universe is wider than our views of it
True, the universe is wider than our views of it
The universe is wider than our views of it The universe is wider than our views of it
.
2
Conclusion 2 written: F rewritten: F
F1: Yet we should oftener look … diseases of the skin merely and It is not worth the while … to get at the inside at last are interlined in pencil.
F2: A fair copy was made of only Yet we should oftener look … I have more of God, they more of the road.

(Ronald Clapper)
r
Revision note: F1: But
But Yet
Yet Yet
we should oftener look r
Revision note: F1: off from
off from over the tafferel of
over the tafferel of over the tafferel of
our craft, like curious passengers, and not make the voyage like stupid r
Revision note: F1: sailors who rarely look over the tafferel but spend the fair weather picking oakum
sailors picking oakum, who rarely look over the tafferel
sailors picking oakum sailors picking oakum
. The other side of the globe is but the home of our correspondent. r
Revision note: F1: It
It Our voyaging
Our voyaging Our voyaging
is only great-circle sailing, and the doctors prescribe for diseases of the skin merely. One hastens to Southern Africa to chase the giraffe; but surely that is not the game he would be after. How long, pray, would a man hunt giraffes if he could? Snipes and woodcocks also may afford rare sport; but r
Revision note: F1: would it not it would
I trust it would
I trust it would I trust it would
be nobler game to shoot one’s self.—
 
"Direct your eye sight inward, and you’ll find
 
A thousand regions in your mind
 
Yet undiscovered. Travel them, and be
 
Expert in home-cosmography."
What does Africa,—what does the West stand for? Is not our own interior white on the chart? black though it may prove, like the coast, when discovered. Is it the source of the Nile, or the Niger, or the Mississippi, or a North-West Passage around this r
Revision note: F1: globe
globe continent
continent continent
, that we would find? Are these the problems r
Revision note: F1: that
that which
which which
most concern mankind? Is Franklin the only man r
Revision note: F1: that
that who
who who
is lost, that his wife should be so earnest to find him? that his wife should be so earnest to find him? that his wife should be so earnest to find him? Does Mr. Grinnell know where he himself himself himself is? Be rather the Mungo Park, the Lewis and Clark and Frobisher, of your own streams and oceans; explore your own higher latitudes,— with shiploads of preserved meats to support you, with shiploads of preserved meats to support you with shiploads of preserved meats to support you , r
Revision note: F1: if it be necessary
if it they be necessary and pile the empty meat cans sky-high for a sign to guide your successors. Were preserved meats invented to preserve meat merely?
if they be necessary; and pile the empty cans sky-high for a sign. Were preserved meats invented to preserve meat merely? if they be necessary; and pile the empty cans sky-high for a sign. Were preserved meats invented to preserve meat merely?
Nay, be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought. Every man is the lord of a realm beside which the earthly empire of the Czar is but a petty state, r
Revision note: F1:
a hummock left by the ice.
a hummock left by the ice a hummock left by the ice
. Yet some can be patriotic who have no self -respect, sacrificing & sacrifice and sacrifice and sacrifice the greater to the less. They , as it were, They They love the soil that which which which makes their graves, but have no sympathy with the spirit r
Revision note: F1: that may still animate which animates
which animates may still animate
which may still animate which may still animate
their clay. r
Revision note: F1:
Patriotism is a maggot in their heads. They are not so patriotic as their forefathers in the churchyard.
Patriotism is a maggot in their heads. Patriotism is a maggot in their heads.
What was the meaning of that South-Sea South-Sea South-Sea Exploring Expedition, with all its parade and expense, but an indirect recognition of the fact, that there are continents and seas in the moral world, to which every man is an isthmus or an inlet, yet unexplored by him, but that it is easier to sail many thousand miles through cold and storm and r
Revision note: F1: savage cannibals
savage cannibals
cannibals cannibals
, in a government ship, with five hundred men and boys to assist one, than it is to explore the private sea, the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean of one’s being alone.—
 
"Erret, et extremos alter scrutetur Iberos.
 
lus habet hic vitæ, plus habet ille viæ."
 
Let them wander and scrutinize the outlandish Australians.
 
I have more of God, they more of the road. It is not worth the while to go round the world to count the cats in Zanzibar.
However Yet Yet Yet do this even till you can do better, and you may perhaps find some "Symmes’ Hole" by which to get at the inside at last. at last. England and France, Spain and Portugal, Gold Coast and Slave Coast, all front on this private sea; but no bark from them has ventured out of sight of land, though it is without doubt the direct way to India. If you would learn to speak all tongues and conform to the customs of all nations, if you would travel farther than all travellers, be naturalized in all climes, vanquish all the chimeras climes, climes, and cause the Sphinx go to to to dash her bead against a stone, obey the precept of the old philosopher & know even obey the precept of the old philosopher, and Explore even obey the precept of the old philosopher, and Explore thyself. Herein are demanded the eye and the nerve. Only the defeated and deserters go to the wars, cowards that run away and enlist. Start now on that farthest western way, which does not pause at the Mississippi or the Pacific, nor conduct toward a worn-out China or Japan, but leads on direct a tangent to this sphere, summer and winter, day and night, sun down, moon down, and at last earth down too. Start now on that farthest western way, which does not pause at the Mississippi or the Pacific, nor conduct toward a worn-out China or Japan, but leads on direct a tangent to this sphere, summer and winter, day and night, sun down, moon down, and at last earth down too. Start now on that farthest western way, which does not pause at the Mississippi or the Pacific, nor conduct toward a worn-out China or Japan, but leads on direct a tangent to this sphere, summer and winter, day and night, sun down, moon down, and at last earth down too.
3
Conclusion 3 written: F rewritten: F
F2: A fair copy was made of only sacred laws, and so have tested his resolution … chance to meet with such.

(Ronald Clapper)
It is said that Mirabeau took to highway robbery "to ascertain what degree of resolution was necessary in order to place one’s self in formal opposition to the most sacred laws of society." He declared that "a soldier who fights in the ranks does not require half so much courage as a foot-pad," "that honor and religion have never stood in the way of a well-considered and a firm resolve." "Tell me, Du Saillant," said he, "when you lead your regiment into the heat of battle, to conquer a province to which he whom you call your master has no right whatever, do you consider that you are performing a better action than mine, in stopping your friend on the king’s highway, and demanding his purse?"—"I obey without reasoning," replied the count. "And I reason without obeying, when obedience appears to me contrary to reason," rejoined Mirabeau resolve." resolve." This was even manly manly manly , as the world goes; and yet it was idle, if not desperate. A saner man would have found himself often enough "in formal opposition" to what are deemed what are deemed "the most sacred laws of society," through obedience to yet more sacred laws, and so have tested his r
Revision note: F1: resolution in the natural course of events
resolution in the natural course of events
resolution resolution
without going out of his way. It is not for a man to put himself in such an attitude to society, but to maintain himself in whatever attitude he find himself through obedience to the laws of his being, which will never be one of opposition to a just government, if he should chance to meet with r
Revision note: F1: any such. Let us We would not have a rabid virtue that will be revenged on society, and descends on it, not like the morning dew to refresh it, but like the fervid noon-day sun to wither it
any such. We would not have a rabid virtue that will be revenged on society, and descends on it, not like the morning dew to refresh it, but like the fervid noon-day sun to wither it
such. such.
4
Conclusion 4 written: F rewritten: F

(Ronald Clapper)
If any the reader think that I am vain glorious and set myself up above others, I assure them him that I could tell a pitiful story respecting myself as well as them him, if my spirits held out. I could encourage them him with a sufficient list of failures, and flow as humbly as the very gutters. I think worse of myself than they can possibly he is likely to think of me, and better too perchance, being better acquainted with the man. And finally I will tell them him this secret, if they he will not abuse my confidence—I put the best face on the matter. I I I left the woods for r
Revision note: F1: the same reason that
the same reason that as good a reason as
as good a reason as as good a reason as
I went there. Perhaps it seemed to me , perchance, Perhaps it seemed to me Perhaps it seemed to me that I had several more lives to live, and could not spare any more time for that one. It is r
Revision note: F1: astonishing , moreover,
astonishing remarkable
remarkable remarkable
how easily and insensibly we fall into a particular route, and make a beaten track for ourselves. I had not lived there r
Revision note: F1: a week at the pond
there a week at the pond
a week a week
before my feet wore a path from my door to the pond-side; and now though and though and though it is five or six years since it was trodden by me I trod it I trod it I trod it , it is still still still quite distinct. r
Revision note: F1: so hard is it to obliterate, and, beside True
It is True
It is true It is true
, I fear that others may have fallen into r
Revision note: F1: it since
it since
it it
, and so helped to keep it open and so helped to keep it open and so helped to keep it open . The surface of the earth is soft and impressible by the feet of men; and so is it and so and so with the paths which the mind travels. How worn and dusty, then, must be the highways of the world, how deep the ruts of tradition and r
Revision note: F1: convention
convention conformity
conformity conformity
! I did not wish for a ticket to the boxes, nor had wished not to take a cabin passage . I will rather but rather to did not wish to take a cabin passage, but rather did not wish to take a cabin passage, but rather to go before the mast and on the deck of the world, I have no desire to go abaft the engine for here I shall there I could for there for there I could best see the moonlight amid the mountains. r
Revision note: F1:
I do not wish to go below now.
I do not wish to go below now I do not wish to go below now
.
5
Conclusion 5 written: E rewritten: F
E: The auxiliary verb "shall" instead of "will" appears throughout the original copying of Conclusion 5; "shall" is canceled and "will" is interlined in pencil.
E: The passage below follows Conclusion 5. Two versions in F can be found in Conclusion 4 and Conclusion 9. If the reader thinks that I am vain glorious and set [myself up above others], I assure him that I could tell a pitiful story respecting myself as well as him if my spirits held out, could encourage him with a sufficient list of failures, and flow as humbly as the gutters. I think worse of myself than he is likely to think of me, and better too perchance being better acquainted with the man. Finally I will tell him this secret, if he will not betray abuse my confidence, I put the best face on the matter.

(Ronald Clapper)
I learned this, at least by my experiment in the woods, of more value perhaps than all the rest at least, by my experiment at least, by my experiment at least, by my experiment : that if one advances confidently but without willfulness though merely though only confidently , but without willfulness, though only confidently confidently in the direction of his dreams, and lives endeavors to live endeavors to live endeavors to live endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success wholly quite unexpected in common hours, and the result will in a measure miraculously answer to his faith quite unexpected in common hours , and the result will in a measure, miraculously answer to his faith unexpected in common hours unexpected in common hours . He will put some things behind him; he behind, behind, behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, more universal & more universal, and more universal, and more universal, and more liberal laws will begin silently to begin silently to begin to begin to establish themselves around and within him; heaven lie about him in his manhood even him; heaven lie about him in his manhood even him; him; or the old laws be expanded, and interpreted in his favor in a larger & more larger and more more more liberal sense, and he will live to a certain extent live , to a certain extent, live live with the license of a higher order of beings. In proportion as he has simplified simplifies simplifies simplifies simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and and and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.
6a
Conclusion 6a written: F rewritten: G

(Ronald Clapper)
It is a ridiculous demand which England and America make, that you shall speak so that they can understand you. Neither men nor toad-stools grow so Neither men nor toad-stools grow so Neither men nor toad-stools grow so . As if that were important, and there were not enough to understand you without them. All joy that surpasseth their understanding they note to be a bore them. them. 6b
Conclusion 6b written: F rewritten: F, G

(Ronald Clapper)
As if Nature could support but one order of understandings, could support but one order of understandings, could not sustain birds as well as quadrupeds, flying as well as creeping things, and as if and hush and hush and who , which Bright can understand, were the best English , and the truest and most thrilling biography were written in the day-book and ledger. If ours is not to be the sleep of gods & infants, give me him for a companion who has the most beautiful dreams. If you are comprehended by one sane mind it is more than enough English English . 6c
Conclusion 6c written: F rewritten: F, G
F1: Conclusion 6c precedes Conclusion 6b.

(Ronald Clapper)
r
Revision note: F1: If &
& As if
As if As if
there were safety in stupidity alone , and in this world of dreamers, the dullest dreamer who merely snores responsive to the level of his bed-fellows’ slumbering understandings, were the best fellow & the wisest alone alone . 6d
Conclusion 6d written: G
G: In view of the future … to superior natures is interlined.

(Ronald Clapper)
I fear only chiefly chiefly lest my expression may not be extra- vagant enough, may not wander far enough beyond the narrow limits of my daily experience, so as to be adequate to the truth of which I have been convinced. Extra vagance! it depends upon on on how you are yarded. The migrating buffalo, which seeks new pastures in another latitude, is not so extravagant as like extravagant like the cow which kicks over the pail, leaps the cow-yard fence, and runs after her calf, in milking time. I desire to speak somewhere without bounds; like a man in a waking moment, to men in their waking moments; for I am convinced that I cannot exaggerate enough even to lay the foundation of a true expression. Who that has heard a strain of music feared that then lest then lest he should speak extravagantly any more forever? In view of the future or possible, we should live quite laxly and undefined in front, our outlines dim and shadowy misty misty on that side; as the shadow of objects reveals our shadows reveal our shadows reveal an insensible perspiration toward the sun. The volatile truth of our words should continually betray the inadequacy of the residual statement. Look not into the ashes for the sublimate. Shall our words never be vague, misty, smoking like censers, significant and fragrant to those above, and adequate to the faith & piety of those below? statement. Their truth is instantly translated ; its literal monument alone remains. The words which express our faith and piety are not definite; yet they are significant and fragrant like frankincense to superior natures.
7a
Conclusion 7a written: F rewritten: G

(Ronald Clapper)
Why level downward to our dullest perception always, and praise that for as for as as common sense? The commonest sense is the sense of men asleep, which they express by snoring. Sometimes we men we we we are inclined to class those who are once-and-a-half witted with the half-witted, because we they we we we appreciate only a third part of their wit. How could we do without the mystics even? As well do without chemistry or the morning-red. Some would find fault with the morning-red if they ever got up early enough Some would find fault with the morning-red, if they ever got up early enough Some would find fault with the morning-red, if they ever got up early enough . 7b
Conclusion 7b written: F rewritten: F, G
G: A fair copy was made of only "They pretend," as I hear, "that the verses of Kabir have four different senses; illusion.

(Ronald Clapper)
"They pretend," as I hear, as I hear, "that the verses of Kabir have four different senses; illusion, spirit, intellect, and the exoteric doctrine of the Vedas:" but in this part of the world it is considered a ground r
Revision note: F1: of offense
of offense for complaint
for complaint for complaint
if a man’s writings admit of more than one interpretation. 7c
Conclusion 7c written: F rewritten: F
F1: Conclusion 7c follows Conclusion 7a and precedes Conclusion 7b.

(Ronald Clapper)
While England endeavors to cure the potato-rot, will not any endeavor to cure the brain-rot, which prevails r
Revision note: F1: to so alarming as extent
to so alarming an extent so much more widely & fatally
so much more widely and fatally so much more widely and fatally
?
8a
Conclusion 8a written: F rewritten: F

(Ronald Clapper)
r
Revision note: F1: Let me not suppose I do not imagine
I do not imagine suppose
I do not suppose I do not suppose
that I have attained to obscurity, r
Revision note: F1: my shallow meaning is but too clear. Nevertheless But I should be glad
but I should be glad proud
but I should be proud but I should be proud
if no more fatal fault were found with my pages on this score than was found with the Walden ice. 8b
Conclusion 8b written: E rewritten: F, F
E: Conclusion 8b follows Pond in Winter 18c and precedes Pond in Winter 18d.

(Ronald Clapper)
I was told that southern I was told that southern Southern Southern customers objected to its blue color, r
Revision note: F1:
which is evidence of its purity, which is evidence of its purity,
as if it were muddy, and preferred the Fresh Pond Fresh Pond Cambridge Cambridge Cambridge ice, which is white, but tastes of weeds. The purity men love is r
Revision note: F1:
like
like like
the mists which envelop the earth, and not like the pure azure azure azure azure ether beyond.
9
Conclusion 9 written: F rewritten: F

(Ronald Clapper)
If the reader thinks that I am vain glorious & set myself above others, I assure him that I can could tell a pitiful story respecting myself as well as him, if my spirits held out, could encourage him with a sufficient list of failures, and flow as humbly as the gutters. I think worse of myself than he is likely to think of me, and better too perchance being better acquainted with the man. Finally, I will tell him this secret, if he will not abuse my confidence—I put the best face on the matter. Though you are a fungus you are still required to emit the sweetest odor that you can. Some Some Some are dinning in our ears that we Americans, and moderns generally, are intellectual dwarfs compared with the ancients, or even with or even or even the Elizabethan men. But what is that to the purpose? A living dog is better than a dead lion. Shall a man go and hang himself because he belongs to the race of pygmies, and not be the biggest pygmy that he can? Let every man one one mind his own business, and endeavor to be what he was made.
10
Conclusion 10 written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep step pace pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let a man him him him step to the music which he hears, however measured and however or or or far away. It is not important that he should mature as soon as an apple-tree or an oak. Shall he turn his spring to into into into summer? If the condition of things which which which we were made for is not yet, what were any reality which we can substitute? We will not be shipwrecked on a vain reality. Shall we with pains erect a heaven of blue glass over ourselves, though when it is done we shall be sure to gaze still at the true ethereal heaven far above, as if the former were not?
11
Conclusion 11 written: D rewritten: E, F
D: Conclusion 11 is interlined in pencil.
E: A fair copy was made of only There was an artist … creations of Brahma. He had made a new.
F: A fair copy was made of only system in making a staff … be other than wonderful?

(Ronald Clapper)
There was an artist who lived artistwho lived artist artist artist in the city of Kouroo who was truly disposed trulydisposed disposed disposed disposed to strive after perfection. One day it came into his head head mind mind mind mind to make a staff. Having considered that in an imperfect work time is an ingredient, but into a perfect work time does not enter, he said to himself, It shall be perfect in all respects, though I should do nothing else in all my allmy my my my life. He proceeded instantly to the forest for material wood wood wood wood wood , being determined determined resolved resolved resolved resolved that it should not be made of unsuitable wood material material material material material ; and as he searched for for for for and rejected stick after stick, his friends gradually deserted him, for they grew old in their works and died, but still butstill but but but he grew not older by a moment. His singleness of purpose and resolution, and his elevated piety, endowed him, without his knowledge, with perennial youth. As he made no compromise with Time, Time kept out of his way, and only sighed at a distance to think that to think that because because because because he could not overcome him. Before he had found a stock in all respects suitable the city of Kouroo was a hoary ruin, and he sat on one of its mounds to peel the stick. Before he had given it the proper shape the dynasty of the Candahars was at an end, and with the smaller end smaller end point point point point of the stick he wrote the name of the last of that race in the sand, and then resumed his work. By the time he had smoothed and polished the staff Kalpa was no longer the north star north star pole-star pole-star pole-star pole-star ; and ere he had put on the ferrule and the head adorned with precious stones, Brahma had awoke and slumbered many times. But why do I stay to mention these things? When the finishing stroke was put to his work, it suddenly expanded before the eyes of the astonished artist into the fairest of all the creations of Brahma. He had made a new universe universe system system system system in making a staff, a world with fun and fair proportions; in which, though the old cities and dynasties had passed away, fairer and more glorious ones had taken their places. And now he saw by the heap of shavings still fresh at his feet, that, for him and his work, the former lapse of time had been an illusion, and that no more time had elapsed than is required for a single scintillation from the brain of Brahma to fall on and inflame the tinder of a mortal brain. The material was pure, and his art was pure; and how then how how how how could the result be otherwise otherwise otherwise other other than wonderful?
12a
Conclusion 12a written: D rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
r
Revision note: D1: We forget to be true in all our positions & relations. No face of the
No face of which we can give to the a
No face which we can give to a No face which we can give to a No face which we can give to a No face which we can give to a
matter will stead us so well at last r
Revision note: D1: as just
as just
as as as as
the truth. r
Revision note: D1: Truth is like the stuff called everlasting, it will wear
Truth is like the stuff called everlasting, it This alone wears well
This alone wears This alone wears This alone wears This alone wears
well. Some men are never where they For the most part we are not where we For the most part, we are not where we For the most part, we are not where we For the most part, we are not where we For the most part, we are not where we are, but in a false position. r
Revision note: D1: By an infirmity of their our natures, they we suppose a case & put themselves into it, and hence they we are in two cases, the actual & the supposed, at the same time, which is to be in a dilemma
By an infirmity of our natures, we suppose a case and put ourselves into it, and hence we are in two cases , the actual and the supposed at the same time, which is to be in a dilemma,
Through an infinity of our natures, we suppose a case, and put ourselves into it, and hence are in two cases at the same time, Through an infinity of our natures, we suppose a case, and put ourselves into it, and hence are in two cases at the same time, Through an infinity of our natures, we suppose a case, and put ourselves into it, and hence are in two cases at the same time, Through an infinity of our natures, we suppose a case, and put ourselves into it, and hence are in two cases at the same time,
and it is doubly difficult to get out. r
Revision note: D1: A few In healthy & true men moments we
In healthy and true sane moments we
In sane moments we In sane moments we In sane moments we In sane moments we
regard only the facts, the case that is. 12b
Conclusion 12b written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
Say what you have to say, not what you ought. Any truth is presentable better than make-believe better than make-believe. better than make-believe. Tom Hyde, the tinker, standing on the gallows, was asked if he had any thing to say. "Tell the tailors," said he, "to remember to make a knot in their thread before they take the first stitch." His companion’s prayer is forgotten.
13a
Conclusion 13a written: D rewritten: D

(Ronald Clapper)
However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are richest. The fault-finder will find faults even in paradise. Love your life, poor as it is. You may r
Revision note: D1: perchance
perchance perhaps
perhaps perhaps perhaps perhaps
have some pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, even in a poor-house. The setting sun is reflected from the windows of the alms-house as brightly as from the rich man’s abode; the snow melts before its door as early in the spring. I do not see but a quiet mind may live as contentedly there, and have as cheering thoughts, as in a palace. The town’s poor seem to me often to live the most independent lives of any. r
Revision note: D1: Perchance
Perchance May be
May be May be May be May be
they are simply great enough to receive without misgiving. Most think that they are above being supported by the town; but it oftener happens that they are not above supporting themselves by dishonest means, which should be more disreputable. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself r
Revision note: D1:
much
much much much much
to get new things, whether clothes or r
Revision note: D1: friends. There is dissipation in it
friends. There is dissipation in it
friends. friends. friends. friends.
Turn the old; return to them. Things do not change; we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. God will see that you do not want society . If I were confined to a corner of a garret all my days, like a spider, the world would be just as large to me while I had my thoughts about me. Confucius says The philosopher said The philosopher said The philosopher said The philosopher said The philosopher said : "From an army of three divisions one can take away its general, and put it in disorder; from the man the most abject and vulgar one cannot take away his thought." Do not seek so anxiously so anxiously so anxiously so anxiously to be developed, to subject yourself to many influences to be played on; it is all dissipation. Humility like darkness reveals the heavenly lights. The shadows of poverty and meanness gather around us, "and lo! creation widens to our view." 13b
Conclusion 13b written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
I am We are We are We are often reminded that if there were bestowed on me us us us the wealth of Crœsus, my our our our aims must still be the same, and my our our our means essentially the same. Moreover, if you are restricted in your range by poverty, if you cannot buy books and newspapers, for instance for instance, for instance, , you are but confined to the most significant and vital experiences; you are compelled to deal with the material which yields the most sugar and the most starch. It is life near the bone where it is sweetest. You are defended from being a trifler. No man loses ever on a lower level by magnanimity on a higher. Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only. Money is not required to buy one necessary of the soul.
14
Conclusion 14 written: D

(Ronald Clapper)
It seems to me one sometimes that I I I I I live in the angle of a leaden wall, into whose composition was poured a little alloy of bell metal. Sometimes Often Often Often Often Often , in the repose of my his my my my my mid-day, there reaches my his my my my my ears a confused tintinnabulum from without. It is the noise of my his my my my my contemporaries. My friends neighbors neighbors neighbors neighbors neighbors tell me of their adventures with famous gentlemen and ladies, what notabilities they met at the dinner-table; but I am no more interested in such things than in the contents of the Daily Times. The interest and the conversation were are are are are are about costume and manners chiefly; chiefly; chiefly; chiefly; but a goose is a goose still, dress it as you will. They tell me of California and Texas, of England and the Indies, of the Hon. Mr so & so Mr. ——— Mr. ——— Mr. ——— Mr. ——— of Georgia or of Massachusetts, all transient and fleeting phenomena, till I am almost wearied to death ready to leap from their court-yard like the Mameluke bey ready to leap from their court-yard like the Mameluke bey ready to leap from their court-yard like the Mameluke bey ready to leap from their court-yard like the Mameluke bey . I delight to come to my bearings,— not walk in procession with pomp and parade, in a conspicuous place, in a conspicuous place in a conspicuous place in a conspicuous place in a conspicuous place , but to walk even even even even with the Builder of the universe, if I may, if I may, if I may, if I may, — not to live in this restless, nervous, bustling, trivial trivial trivial trivial trivial Nineteenth Century, but stand or sit thoughtfully while it goes by. What are men celebrating? They are all on a committee of arrangements, and hourly hourly hourly hourly hourly expect a speech from somebody. God is only the president of the day, and Webster is his orator. I love to weigh, to settle, to gravitate to drive toward God or the devil or whoever most whatever be the name of that which most strongly attracts, not to toward that which most strongly and rightfully attracts me;—not toward that which most strongly and rightfully attracts me;—not toward that which most strongly and rightfully attracts me;—not toward that which most strongly and rightfully attracts me;—not hang by the beam of the scale and try to weigh less, and try to weigh less and try to weigh less and try to weigh less and try to weigh less , —not suppose a case, but take the case that is; to travel the only path I can, and that on which no power can resist me. It affords me no satisfaction to commence to spring an arch before I have got a solid foundation. Let us not play at kittly-benders. There is a solid bottom every where. We read that the traveller asked the boy if the swamp before him had a hard bottom. The boy replied that it had. But presently the traveller’s horse sank in up to his belly the girths the girths the girths the girths the girths , and he observed to the boy, "I thought you said that this bog had a hard bottom." "So it has," said answered answered answered answered the latter, "but you have not got half way to it yet." So it is with the bogs and quicksands of society; but it’s he is he is he is he is an old boy that knows it. Only what is thought said or done at a certain rare coincidence is good. I would not be one of those who will foolishly drive a nail into mere lath and plastering; such a deed would keep me awake nights. Give me a hammer, and let me feel for the furring. Do not depend on the putty. Drive a nail home and clinch it so faithfully that you can wake up in the night and think of it your work your work your work your work your work with satisfaction,— and have God for your abettor a work a work a work a work at which you would not be ashamed to invoke the Muse. So will help you God, and so only. Every nail driven should be as another rivet in the machine of the universe, you are carrying carrying carrying carrying carrying on the work.
15
Conclusion 15 written: D

(Ronald Clapper)
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. I sat at a table where were rich food and wine in abundance, and obsequious attendance, but sincerity and truth were not; and I went away hungry from the inhospitable board. The hospitality was as cold as the ices. I thought that there was not no no no no need of ice to freeze them. They talked to me of the age of the wine and the fame of the vintage; but I thought of an older, and a newer a newer a newer a newer a newer , and purer wine, of a more glorious vintage, which they had not got, and could not buy. I might have done better had I called on the man who lived in a hollow tree. The style, the house & grounds & entertainment pass comparatively for nothing with me. I called on the king but he made me wait in his hall, & he conducted as a man incapacitated for hospitality. The too exquisitely cultivated I avoid as I do the theater. Their life lacks reality. They offer me wine instead of water. They are surrounded by things that can be bought. They have already sold themselves. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him The style, the house and grounds and "entertainment" pass for nothing with me. I called on the king, but he made me wait in his hall, and conducted like a man incapacitated for hospitality. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him The style, the house and grounds and "entertainment" pass for nothing with me. I called on the king, but he made me wait in his hall, and conducted like a man incapacitated for hospitality. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him The style, the house and grounds and "entertainment" pass for nothing with me. I called on the king, but he made me wait in his hall, and conducted like a man incapacitated for hospitality. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him The style, the house and grounds and "entertainment" pass for nothing with me. I called on the king, but he made me wait in his hall, and conducted like a man incapacitated for hospitality. There was a man in my neighborhood who lived in a hollow tree. His manners were truly regal. I should have done better had I called on him .
16
Conclusion 16 written: E

(Ronald Clapper)
How long shall we sit in our porticoes practising idle and musty virtues, which any work would make impertinent or superfluous & superfluous impertinent impertinent impertinent ? As if one were to begin the day with long-suffering, and hire a man to hoe his potatoes; and in the afternoon go forth to practise Christian meekness and humility charity charity charity charity with goodness aforethought! Consider the China pride and stagnant self-complacency of mankind. This generation reclines a little to congratulate itself on being the last of an illustrious line; and in Boston and London and Paris and Rome, thinking of its long descent, it speaks of its progress in art and science and literature with satisfaction. Consider There are There are There are There are the Records of the Philosophical Societies, and the public Eulogies of Great Men ! It is the good Adam contemplating his own virtue. "Yes, we have done great deeds, and sung divine songs, which shall never die,"— that is, as long as we can remember them. The learned societies and great men of Assyria,—where are they? This is the world that is too much with us, since we can entertain but one at a time The lerned societies & great men of Assyria,—where are they? The learned societies and great men of Assyria,—where are they? The learned societies and great men of Assyria,—where are they? The learned societies and great men of Assyria,—where are they? What youthful philosophers and experimentalists we are! There is not one of my readers who has yet lived a whole human life. These are may be may be may be may be but the spring months in the life of the race. If we have had the seven-years’ itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord If we have had the seven-years’ itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord If we have had the seven-years’ itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord If we have had the seven-years’ itch, we have not seen the seventeen-year locust yet in Concord . We are acquainted with a mere pellicle of the globe on which we live on which we live on which we live on which we live . Most have not delved six feet beneath the surface, nor leaped as many above it. We know not where we are. Beside, we are sound asleep nearly half our time Beside, we are sound asleep nearly half our time Beside, we are sound asleep nearly half our time Beside, we are sound asleep nearly half our time . Yet we esteem ourselves wise, and have an established order on the surface. Truly, we are deep thinkers, we are ambitious spirits! As I stand over the insect crawling amid the pine needles of the pine pine needles pine needles pine needles on the forest floor, and endeavoring to conceal itself from my sight, and ask myself why it will cherish those humble thoughts, and bide its head from me who might perhaps perhaps perhaps perhaps be its benefactor, and impart to its race such some some some some cheering information, I am reminded of the greater Benefactor and Intelligence that stands over me the human insect.
17
Conclusion 17 written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
There is an incessant influx of novelty into the world, and yet we tolerate incredible dulness. I have need only to need only need only suggest what kind of sermons are still listened to in the most enlightened countries. There are such words as joy and sorrow, but they are only the burden of a song psalm psalm psalm , sung with a nasal twang, while we believe in the ordinary and mean. We suppose think think think that we can change our clothes only. We think It is said It is said It is said that the British Empire is very large and respectable, and that the United States are a first-rate power. But we We We do not believe that a tide rises and falls behind every man which can float the British Empire like a chip, if he should ever harbor it in his mind if he should ever harbor it in his mind if he should ever harbor it in his mind . Who knows what sort of seventeen-year locust will next come out of the ground? The government of the world I live in was not framed, like that of Britain like that of Britain like that of Britain , in after-dinner conversations over the wine.
18
Conclusion 18 written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
The life in us is like the water in the river. It may rise this year higher than it was man has ever known to before it man has ever known it man has ever known it , and flood the parched uplands; even this may be the eventful year, which will & which will which will which will drown out all our muskrats. It was not always dry land where we dwell It was not always dry land where we dwell It was not always dry land where we dwell . MethinksI I I see far inland the banks which the stream anciently washed, before science began to record its freshets. Every one has heard the story which has gone the rounds of New England, of a strong and beautiful bug which came out of the dry leaf of an old table of apple-tree wood, which had stood in a farmer’s kitchen for sixty years, first in Connecticut, and afterward in Massachusetts,—from an egg deposited in the living tree many years earlier still, as appeared by counting the annual layers beyond it; which was heard gnawing out for several weeks, hatched perchance by the heat of an urn. Who does not feel his faith in a resurrection and immortality strengthened by hearing of this? Who knows what beautiful and winged life, whose egg has been buried for ages under many concentric layers of woodenness in the dead dry life of society, deposited at first in the alburnum of the green and living tree, which has been gradually converted into the semblance of its well-seasoned tomb,—heard perchance gnawing out now for years by the astonished family of man, as they sat round the festive board,—may unexpectedly come forth from amidst society’s most trivial and handselled furniture, to enjoy its perfect summer life at last!
19
Conclusion 19 written: F

(Ronald Clapper)
I do not say that John or Jonathan, that this generation or the next, Jonathan Jonathan will realize all this; but such is the character of that morrow which mere lapse of time can never make to dawn. The light which puts out our eyes is darkness to us. Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star.
 
THE END

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