John Burroughs (1837-1921)

Quotes

• The very idea of a bird is a symbol and a suggestion to the poet. A bird seems to be at the top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life. . . . The beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climes, and knowing no bounds -- how many human aspirations are realised in their free, holiday-lives -- and how many suggestions to the poet in their flight and song!

• The tendinous part of the mind, so to speak, is more developed in winter; the fleshy, in summer. I should say winter had given the bone and sinew to literature, summer the tissues and the blood.

• To treat your facts with imagination is one thing, but to imagine your facts is another.

• The lesson which life repeats and constantly enforces is 'look under foot.' You are always nearer the divine and the true sources of your power than you think.

• It is always easier to believe than to deny. Our minds are naturally affirmative.

• Blessed is the man who has some congenial work, some occupation in which he can put his heart, and which affords a complete outlet to all the forces there are in him.

• Life is a struggle, but not a warfare.

• The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are.