I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor. It is som
ething to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look, which morally we can do. To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts. What does this passage express about Thoreau's outlook on life?
