A Friendship
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau met in 1837. Lucy Brown, who boarded at David Thoreau’s home, was the sister-in-law of Ralph Waldo Emerson. On April 9th, she introduced the two men who were destined to form a lifelong friendship. Emerson was 34 and Thoreau was a 20-year old Harvard senior. Both men were to become leaders in the transcendental philosophical movement that sprang up in the 1830’s and 1840’s, which spoke to the connection between man and nature. Perhaps the genesis of frugality comes from differentiating between wants and needs, desires and requirements.
“We make ourselves rich by making our wants few.”
Henry David Thoreau
“Can anything be so elegant as to have few wants, and to serve them one’s self?”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
very nice and thought provoking. thank you very much for sharing this
January 27, 2013 at 11:54 pm
And thank you for your comments and presence! We must continue to find joy in gentle thoughts.
January 28, 2013 at 1:59 pm
Just what I needed to hear this morning! I love the Emerson quote. “Can anything be so elegant as to have few wants, and to serve them one’s self?” How lovely.
January 28, 2013 at 12:42 am
He did have a way about him that continues to inspire our thoughts and motives. Thank so much for adding your wisdom!!
January 28, 2013 at 2:01 pm
I didn’t realize there was that much difference in their ages. I guess it is not really a big difference, but I often think of them as just two old men.
I am enjoying friendships with many different ages here in WP.
January 28, 2013 at 4:23 am
It is difficult to think of them as young. Can you imagine how interesting it would have been to be their mothers? When everyone was learning their multiplication tables, they wanted to talk about a philosophy that had yet to come into being!!
January 28, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I love Emerson as author: Thank you for this post!
January 28, 2013 at 8:04 am
And thank you for stopping by for a visit. Your comments are very much appreciated!!!
January 28, 2013 at 9:51 am
Every day I want to find out what you talk! My pleasure!
January 28, 2013 at 9:54 am
Thank you for your support! You keep me busy trying to keep up with you!! Ci vediamo a domani …. Grazie…
January 28, 2013 at 2:03 pm
You always have such beautiful photos. It’s a pleasure …
January 28, 2013 at 11:13 am
You always make my day pure sunshine – even when it rains!!!! Thank you….
January 28, 2013 at 1:54 pm
Your wisdom plus Thoreau & Emmerson – could this be the perfect post?
January 28, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Your comments and presence makes it even more perfect!!!
January 28, 2013 at 1:52 pm
January 28, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Wonderful quotes, Rebecca, and your pic is so soothing.
January 28, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Thank you so very much for your comments and encouragement. Over the years, I have used a daily quote to focus my energies on the positive. It has helped me to be more thoughtful and disciplined in my decisions. With a quote, I know that someone has faced the same challenges that I have and found a way to celebrate, rather than despair.
January 28, 2013 at 7:16 pm
It is for sure, things do not make for happiness, as was so aptly said, we make ourselves rich by having less
January 28, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Well said! And I have seen evidence of this in your life!!
January 28, 2013 at 7:29 pm
I have just started reading a blogger who is writing about Emerson. You might find it interesting.
http://ahappieremily.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/nature-by-ralph-waldo-emerson/
January 29, 2013 at 4:53 pm
A lovely blog!!!! Seeking happiness and a happier life is a life-long pursuit. I like Emily’s manifesto!!! Thank you so much for the link!!!
January 29, 2013 at 5:32 pm