Thread for the Analysis of Henry David Thoreau's Writings

[DLJ]

Here are a few quotes by Thoreau from his correspondence with H.G.O. Blake, a devoted fan.  These are not as familiar as some of his sayings from his books:

"When a mathematician would solve a difficult problem, he first frees the equation of all encumbrances, and reduces it to its simplest terms.  So simplify the problem of life, distinguish the necessary and the real.  Probe the earth to see where your main roots run.  I would stand upon facts."
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Nice. Stealing that for a quote to open a chapter I'm writing on the 'Evolution of Ethics: Social Immune System'.

Also, the clash between Organisational Ethics and Individual Ethics that's highlighted in the OP will also be useful.