Henry David Thoreau Despair Quotations

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.

Each reaching and aspiration is an instinct with which all nature consists and cöoperates, and therefore it is not in vain. But alas! each relaxing and desperation is an instinct too. To be active, well, happy, implies courage. To be ready to fight in a duel or a battle implies desperation, or that you hold your life cheap.

Despair and postponement are cowardice and defeat. Men were born to succeed, not to fail.

A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind.

We should impart our courage and not our despair.

Do not despair of your life. You have force enough to overcome your obstacles.

He who hears the rippling of rivers in these degenerate days will not utterly despair.