"The rush to California, for instance, and the attitude, not merely of merchants, but of philosophers and prophets, so called, in relation to it, reflect the greatest disgrace on mankind. That so many are ready to live by luck, and so get the means of commanding the labor of others less lucky, without contributing any value to society!"

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Added on April 10, 2026
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Original Language: English

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p. 487

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau