Companion Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go abroad among men than when we stay in our chambers. A man thinking or working is always alone, let him be where he will.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Walden, Henry David Thoreau, 1854
Solitude is a preferred companion; being among people often heightens loneliness, while solitary work brings focus.
In simple terms: Being alone can be better than being with others.
Key Takeaway
Embrace solitude for deeper thought.
Themes
solitude
loneliness
self‑reflection
Mood
contemplative
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative work
- travel
- personal study
- remote work
Key Concepts
existentialism
individualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does solitude enhance your work?
- When does companionship become a distraction?
A Different Perspective
Solitude can become oppressive without balance.
![“I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. [It allows you to] be the Mungo Park, the Lewis and Clark of your own streams and oceans; [to] explore your own higher latitudes; [to] be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade…” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2c6/henry-david-thoreau-20_columbus_i-never-found-the-companion-that-was-so_804450.jpg)
![“[A cat] will make itself the companion of your hours of work, of loneliness, or of sadness.” quote by Theophile Gautier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a3d/theophile-gautier-7224_cat_a-cat-will-make-itself-the-companion-of_34315.jpg)