America Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“Have we even so much as discovered and settled the shores? Let a man travel on foot along the coastand tell me if it looks like a discovered and settled country, and not rather, for the most part, like a desolate island, and No-Man's Land.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Walking” by Henry David Thoreau, 1862
Explores whether coastal lands are truly settled or remain wild, questioning the notion of discovery versus desolation.
In simple terms: Coastal regions may be unsettled wilderness.
Recognize untouched spaces.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- conservation
- travel writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a “settled” land?
- How does perception shape our treatment of nature?
May romanticize wilderness.