9.18.2014
stiffen into statues
...Thoreau's Journal: 18-Sep-1859
Dr. Bartlett handed me a paper to-day, desiring me to subscribe for a statue to Horace Mann. I declined, and said that I thought a man ought not any more to take up room in the world after he was dead. We shall lose one advantage of a man’s dying if we are to have a statue of him forthwith. This is probably meant to be an opposition statue to that of Webster. At this rate they will crowd the streets with them. A man will have to add a clause to his will, “No statue to be made of me.” It is very offensive to my imagination to see the dying stiffen into statues at this rate. We should wait till their bones begin to crumble—and then avoid too near a likeness to the living.
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3 comments:
I'm guessing the folks at Walden Pond didn't read much of Henry's journal...
Link here: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1382/1099932872_a9b7753a9e.jpg?v=0
On the bright side though, the person who gave him the flowers knew his personality.
May I suggest another codicil? "And no bridges shall be named after me." It seems in our neck of the woods -- panhandle Florida -- even the lowliest politician (and aren't they all) -- can manage to get a bridge named after them. Why they would want to is beyond me. . .but then, why a person would willingly run for public office is beyond me, too.
we would or should have thousands and thousands of statues as i have met one hundred people that deserve one!, at what point are you worthy for one! a local man that works at the food bank gives so much of himself! and my doctor deserves one in our capital!, i beg no statue of me ever take shape!, a smile from my friends is my tribute. michael jameson oldantiqueguy@hotmail.com
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