“Letters to various persons” (Publication, 1865)

Letter from Henry David Thoreau to Mrs. E, Castleton, Staten Island, May 22 (1843).
Only think of some sadness away in Pekin, - unseen and unknown there. What a mine it is ! Would it not weigh down the Celestial Empire, with all its gay Chinese ? Our sadness is not sad, but your cheap joys.

Letter from Henry David Thoreau to Mr. W., Concord, December 12 (1856).
I do not remember anything which Confucius has said directly respecting man's "origin, purpose and destiny ". He was more practical than that. He is full of wisdom applied to human relations, - to the private life, - the family, - government, &c. It is remarkable that, according to his own account, the sum and substance of his teaching is, as you know, to do as you would be done by. He also said (I translate from the French), "Conduct yourself suitably toward the persons of your family, then you will be able to instruct and to direct a nation of men ".