Explore

blue colors cyanometer Henry David Thoreau science lit history and literature culture and society

“Where is my cyanometer,” Thoreau exclaimed in his journal on a blue-skied spring day, referring to the curious device invented by the Swiss scientist Horace-Bénédict de Saussure a century earlier to measure the blueness of the sky.

Here are some of the most beautiful meditations on blue from 200 years of literature, including Thoreau, Goethe, Toni Morrison, Rachel Carson, Virginia Woolf, Rebecca Solnit, Georgia O'Keeffe, and other titans of the world in words.

Henry David Thoreau politics government thought and opinion lit history and literature philosophy

Thoreau, writing 150 years ago and timelier than ever, on how to use civil disobedience to advance justice.

Henry David Thoreau philosophy lit diaries history and literature media and communication

There are many fine things which we cannot say if we have to shout.

Thoreau, born 199 years ago today, on how silence ennobles speech—immensely timely wisdom amid our culture of rampant shouting.

Henry David Thoreau philosophy history and literature lit thought and opinion productivity

Thoreau, born 199 years ago today, on the myth of productivity and the true measure of meaningful labor – even timelier today.

Henry David Thoreau stay woke philosophy history and literature civil disobedience culture and society politics justice thought and opinion

Thoreau, born 199 years ago today, on how to use civil disobedience to advance justice — so immensely timely today.

Thoreau Henry David Thoreau philosophy thought and opinion history and literature lit

Thoreau on the true mark of genius and the difference between an artisan, an artist, and a genius.

Henry David Thoreau philosophy culture and society Walden history and literature lit media and communication

Thoreau on how silence ennobles speech and the ideal space for conversation.

Henry David Thoreau walking lit philosophy history and literature culture and society hiking

Henry David Thoreau, born on this day in 1817, on the art of walking and the spiritual rewards of sauntering – magnificent read.

Henry David Thoreau philosophy thought and opinion culture and society work productivity history and literature lit

Happy birthday, Henry David Thoreau! One of the most luminous minds who ever lived on the myth of productivity and the true measure of meaningful labor.

writing history and literature Henry David Thoreau lit Margaret Fuller letters

I can have no advice or criticism for a person so sincere; but, if I give my impression of him, I will say, ‘He says too constantly of Nature, she is mine.’ She is not yours till you have been more hers.

When 24-year-old Henry David Thoreau submitted one of his poems to the influential journal The Dial, its editor – the trailblazing journalist and feminist Margaret Fuller – sent him a rejection letter that was also an enormously generous gift, teaching him how to improve not only his writing but also his soul. It is one of the most beautiful letters ever written.

Henry David Thoreau philosophy history and literature lit thought and opinion

The Diffusion of Useful Ignorance – Thoreau on the hubris of our knowledge, and the transcendent humility of not-knowing.

Complement with astrophysicist Marcelo Gleiser on living with mystery in the age of knowledge.

Henry David Thoreau philosophy culture and society history and literature lit success

Thoreau, writing 150 years ago, on defining your success – doubly vitalizing today.

Henry David Thoreau libraries history and literature lit thought and opinion World Book Night

Henry David Thoreau on libraries and his ideal sanctuary for books.

Henry David Thoreau thought and opinion history and literature lit culture and society philosophy psychology habit

Henry David Thoreau on what it means to live life fully awake – beautiful short read.

Henry David Thoreau philosophy lit history and literature productivity culture and society

Henry David Thoreau on the myth of productivity and the true measure of meaningful work