Home Quote by Henry David Thoreau
““Men and boys are learning all kinds of trades but how to make men of themselves. They learn to make houses; but they are not so well housed, they are not so contented in their houses, as the woodchucks in their holes. What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on? — If you cannot tolerate the planet that it is on? Grade the ground first. If a man believes and expects great things of himself, it makes no odds where you put him, or what you show him ... he will be surrounded by grandeur. He is in the condition of a healthy and hungry man, who says to himself, — How sweet this crust is!””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Civil Disobedience” (or similar) by Henry David Thoreau, 1849
People master trades and build homes, yet without a livable planet, material comforts are meaningless; personal growth matters more than possessions.
In simple terms: Skill and shelter are useless without a healthy world and
Key Takeaway
Focus on personal development and planetary health.
Themes
environment
self‑improvement
purpose
Mood
thoughtful
urgent
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career choices
- urban planning
- climate activism
Key Concepts
sustainability
human flourishing
Questions to Reflect On
- What can you do to improve your surroundings?
- How does personal purpose align with planetary health?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting environmental stewardship undermines all achievements.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away-from-home_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
