There's something to be said for clearing out the noise in your life. Henry David Thoreau was a philosopher of the 19th century and certainly had a handle on perspective, the human element and remaining austere, by keeping his life simple. I think we tend to pile on so much in our lives and stay so busy that we forget to take time to power down a bit and regroup. I was inspired to share a bit about Thoreau since @Mark Ransome of Special Trusted Friends most recently had a daily quote from Thoreau. Here's just a bit about Thoreau with links if you find yourself wanting to learn more. My advice is always find that balance in your life, whatever it is, keep good people in your circle of friendships, and most of all care for you!



Henry David Thoreau was the philosopher/pioneer of living in an austere manner during the transcendental movement of the early 1800's.


As a social reformer whose words echo the principles on which the United States was founded — that it is a person’s duty to resist injustice where it is found — Thoreau’s writings influenced Gandhi’s work in India, Tolstoy’s philosophy in Russia, and King’s civil rights stand in the United States. Wherever in the world individuals and groups embrace human rights over political rights, they invoke the name of HenryDavid Thoreau and the words of his essay. “Civil Disobedience“: “Can there not be a government in which the majorities do not virtually decide right and wrong, but conscience? . . . Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience, then?”

https://www.walden.org/what-we-do/library/thoreau/ />

Have you ever heard of Henry David Thoreau? You might have not known his name but perhaps in school or college his name might have come up or maybe you've come across his best known quotes?

What is Transcendentalism:


Transcendentalism is a 19th-century school of American theological and philosophical thought that combined respect for nature and self-sufficiency with elements of Unitarianism and German Romanticism. Writer Ralph Waldo Emerson was the primary practitioner of the movement,which existed loosely in Massachusetts in the early 1800s before becoming an organized group in the 1830s.

https://www.history.com/topics/19th-century/transcendentalism />

Why was Henry David Thoreau still remembered? Henry David Thoreau has a place in history because of his extensive philosophical writings, quotes and passion for the human equation.


Unquestionably, Thoreau enjoys greater national and international popularity today than ever before. His books are selling at an unprecedented rate. People are particularly drawn to his belief of finding spirituality in nature — a philosophy woven throughout his books and essays. As our lives become ever more complex, we hunger for simplicity and a communion with nature that Thoreau insists will lead to truth and spiritual renewal.

https://www.walden.org/what-we-do/library/thoreau/ />

Top 25 Quotes from Henry David Thoreau:

https://www.azquotes.com/author/14637-Henry_David_Thoreau />
Here's a nice one from the above link.


Simplify your life. Don't waste the years struggling for things that are unimportant. Don't burden yourself with possessions. Keep your needs and wants simple and enjoy what you have. Don't destroy your peace of mind by looking back, worrying about the past. Live in the present. Simplify!


A more extensive read on Henry David Thoreau:

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/emerson/