National Nature

Famous quotes containing the words national and/or nature:

    Ignorance, forgetfulness, or contempt of the rights of man are the only causes of public misfortunes and of the corruption of governments.
    —French National Assembly. Declaration of the Rights of Man (drafted and discussed Aug. 1789, published Sept. 1791)

    I walk toward one of our ponds; but what signifies the beauty of nature when men are base? We walk to lakes to see our serenity reflected in them; when we are not serene, we go not to them. Who can be serene in a country where both the rulers and the ruled are without principle? The remembrance of my country spoils my walk. My thoughts are murder to the State, and involuntarily go plotting against her.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)