Men have been contriving new means and modes of motion – steam ships have been westering during these late days and nights on the Atlantic waves-the fuglers of a new evolution to this generation – – meanwhile plants spring silently by the brook sides – and the grim woods wave indifferent – the earth emits no howl – pot on fire simmers and seethes – and men go about their business. – –
-Henry David Thoreau
April 24th 1838
