Essay on Thoreau Emerson

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Kayla Remshard
Mrs. Salerno
Honors 11 English
21 November, 2014
Thoreau Quotes and Emerson Aphorisms
Thoreau:
“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads”
If I were instructed to describe my way of thinking through a single quote, this would be the quote to come to mind. To me, this quote is implying that the world we live in is as wonderful as heaven itself. Through this quote, Thoreau shared his views of how glorious it is just to be alive and to have this beautiful planet as our home. This is something I strongly believe in as well.
“
Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder” By comparing it to a butterfly, Thoreau demonstrated that happiness can not be forced.
This quote is highly important to me because it opened my eyes. I attempt to force happiness onto myself too much. This quote is also comforting because it reassures me that when I start focusing on other things in my life, happiness will find its way to me.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, its what you see”
The meaning behind this quote is that w e don't see just with our eyes; we see with our mind and heart. This is something I notice every passing day. In art, we are taught that everyone

has a different perspective on things. One painting may make me feel sorrow while the same painting may bring someone else joyous feelings.
“
I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”
When taken literally, this quote is motivates me to get outdoors, stand tall, and enjoy communing with nature. On a more emotional and deeper level, this quote motivates to tackle whatever large obstacle I come to face.
“
It is better to have your head in the clouds, and know where you are than to breathe the clearer atmosphere below them, and think that you are in paradise”
This quote is saying that is better to be out of touch with reality and be aware of it, than to be grounded and think that your way of thinking is the right way. My head is always in the clouds, but I am fully aware of this. I can’t stand people who think they are better than me for having a more realistic mindset.
“The world is but a canvas to our imaginations”
Thoreau is stating that the world is ours to do anything we set our minds to. I like to believe that he is right. Our imaginations should not be limited to our minds. They should be spread over the world.
Emerson:
“Don’t be pushed by your
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