Book Review: Thumbing Through Thoreau

Thumbing Through Thoreau: A Book of Quotations by Henry David Thoreau
Compiled by Kenny Luck / Illustrated by Jay Luke and Ran Adams
2010: Tribute Books: $24.95
ISBN 978-0-9822565-4-1

Henry David Thoreau profoundly moved me, when in high school, I first read Walden. Pleased not only to find a philosopher I could admire, but a writer who made beautiful statements within his argument that outlined a design for a better world. Thoreau believed in the value of humanity, the value of the Earth and that humanity need not injure the Earth to survive. His naturalist principles are as true today as they were in the mid-19th century.

Thumbing through Thoreau is a compilation of the points one might highlight or underline within the writings. The selections are choice, creating items for contemplation. Thoreau’s inspirational writings are reorganized and divided into three sections: Society & Government, Spirituality & Nature and Love. Thumbing Through Thoreau could easily be used as a reference or daily meditation book. Each page has one quote and one nature drawing.

If you enjoy Thoreau, you'll like the following excerpts from Thumbing through Thoreau:

Section I Society & Government

While civilization has been improving our houses, it has not equally improved the men who inhabit them.

To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea.

I have found thus that I had been a rich man without any damage to my poverty.

There is not one kind of food for all men.

Section II Spirituality & Nature

Our life is frittered away by detail…simplify, simplify!

I have a great deal of company in my house, especially in the morning, when nobody calls.

Nothing so fair, so pure, and at the same time so large, as a lake, perchance, lies on the surface of the earth. Sky water.

Go in search f the springs of life.

Section III Love

Love is the profoundest of secrets.

All romance is grounded in friendship.

Veneration is the measure of Love.

Love is a mutual confidence whose foundations no one knows.

For more: http://www.tribute-books.com/thoreau/index.html