Thinking with Thoreau

     Welcome back to Quote Corner! Sarah here, and today, as promised, we are going to be talking about my favorite nature-loving Transcendentalist, Henry David Thoreau! Talking about dual-lives last week got me thinking about the side of me that wants to build a little cabin in the woods by a lake and grow a bean farm. If you feel the same, you need to check out Thoreau’s book, Walden, where he did just that. Thoreau said:

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms... (271).

            This quote is so significant to me, because it makes me realize how important it is to not get stuck on autopilot. I know some of you feel the same! I, too, want to live life deliberately and to the fullest! And now, for my question! I’m pretty sure everyone by now has a Bucket List. What is something on your Bucket List that, if completed, would make you feel truly alive! For me, I have always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail (in segments). Stop by Quote Corner every Wednesday for new, inspirational quotes! Thanks for stopping by!

Cramer, S. Jeffery. The Portable Thoreau. Penguin Books, 2012.

Kicking it with Kate

     Welcome back to Quote Corner! Sarah here, and today, I’m going to be sharing a quote from one of my favorite novels, The Awakening by Kate Chopin. For anyone who feels like they just don’t conform with societal expectations, and for anyone who feels like they are being pulled in directions that simply is not the path you’re meant to be on, this book is for you. Chopin has such a beautiful way with words that keeps you re-reading the same lines, because they hold so much meaning and truth. Without further ado, the quote: “Even as a child she had lived her own small life within herself. At a very early period she had apprehended instinctively the dual life - that outward existence which conforms, the inward life which questions” (Chopin 17). And now, for my question! Do you feel like you are living a dual-life in any way? This is quite a personal question, so ponder on your own and share your thoughts if you feel comfortable! As for me, I feel like I often live a dual-life, being torn between societal expectations and my yearning to escape back to nature. On that note, check back next week for one of my favorite nature-loving Transcendentalist! Thanks for stopping by!

Chopin, Kate. The Awakening and Other Selected Stories. Reader’s Library Classics, 2021.

Nice to meet you!

     Welcome to Quote Corner! My name is Sarah, and my goal for this blog is to create a space to share quotes and thoughts with all of my fellow booklovers! Grab your favorite drink, sit back, relax, and prepare to get inspired! Along with all of my posts, I will also include a thought-provoking question. Please, comment on the questions and quotes I post here. I would love to hear from you!  Don’t forget to check out the bottom of this blog for fantastic additional sources where you can search for quotes and books, so you can find exactly what is right for you! Come back to Quote Corner to share all of the meaningful quotes you find! If you decide to share, please include a citation. Check back every Wednesday for new posts! Thanks for stopping by!