A short story is simplification to the highest degree

Flatulency today consists in saying simply in several different ways the same thing over and over again.

Reading for experience is the only reading that justifies excitement. Reading for facts is necessary bu the less said about it in public the better. Reading for distraction is like taking medicine. We do it, but it is nothing to be proud of. But reading for experience is transforming.

Live deep instead of fast.

If the bell of intolerance tolls for one, it tolls for all.

Live deep instead of fast. I think this is what Thoreau meant.