How we cite our quotes: (Essay.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hinderances to the elevation of mankind. (Economy.19)
Worldly goods distract us from spiritual "elevation." Mo' money, mo' problems.
Quote #2
I cannot believe that our factory system is the best mode by which men may get clothing. The conditions of the operatives is becoming every day more like that of the English (Economy.41)
This is an attack on one symptom of industrialization: the inhumane conditions of working in a factory. Sadly, this is still an issue in some countries even today.
Quote #3
But how happens it that he who is said to enjoy these things is so commonly a poor civilized man, while the savage, which has them not, is rich as a savage? […] the cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run. (Economy.45)
Thoreau questions whether civilization is all that great if so many people still remain poor.
Quote #4
The civilized man is a more experienced and wiser savage. (Economy.57)
"Civilization" doesn't necessarily mean the same thing as being enlightened. In modern times, according to Thoreau, civilization is just another word for making money.
Quote #5
Most of the stone a nation hammers goes toward its tomb only. It buries itself alive. (Economy.78)
Thoreau questions whether American society, and any other nationalistic society, is headed down the right road. Should a nation be interested merely in becoming economically and militarily powerful? Or should it have other goals? This is something that Americans and other world citizens still struggle with to this day. Way to stay relevant, Thoreau.
Quote #6
The customs of some savage nations might, perchance, be profitably imitated by us, for they at least go through the semblance of casting their slough annually. (Economy.91)
One "savage" custom Thoreau wants to revive is the busk, where people get rid of their old possessions. It would free people of attachment to their worldly goods (and make a really good reality TV show, don't you think?).
Quote #7
Instead of noblemen, let us have noble villages of men. (Reading.11)
Thoreau offers his own version of an ideal society: a village devoted entirely to learning.
Quote #8
These cellar dents, like deserted fox burrows, old holes, are all that is left where once were the stir and bustle of human life, and "fate, free-will, foreknowledge absolute," in some form and dialect or other were by turns discussed. (Former Inhabitants.12)
Seeing these remnants of past human residences, Thoreau wonders what is really permanent and eternal in human life. Why spend so much effort gaining wealth and building a huge house if it's all going to disappear one day? As they say, you can't take it with you.
Quote #9
Nay, be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought […] Explore thyself. (Conclusion.2)
Instead of exploring for new lands to exploit and colonize, Thoreau directs his readers to explore themselves.
Quote #10
[Man] must maintain himself in whatever attitude he finds himself through obedience to the laws of his being, which will never be one of opposition to a just government, if he should chance to meet with such. (Conclusion.3)
Just because the government says something is law, doesn't mean that it's just. Thoreau believes that a personal sense of justice overrides obedience to law. That might get you thrown in jail (as it does for him when he doesn't pay his poll tax), but he stands by it.