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July 12, 2011

Henry David Thoreau (July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862)


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, and cause the Sphinx to dash her head against a stone, even obey the precept of the old philosopher, and Explore thyself. 
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It is by a mathematical point only that we are wise, as the sailor or the fugitive slave keeps the polestar in his eye; but that is sufficient guidance for all our life. We may not arrive at our port within a calculable period, but we would preserve the true course. 
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In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high. 
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Say what you have to say, not what you ought. Any truth is better than make-believe.

-from Walden by Henry David Thoreau

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