Henry David Thoreau (American, 1817–1862) was a 19th century essayist, naturalist, and philosopher; best known for Walden and his advocacy of civil disobedience. This line from Walden (1854) can be read quite literally - every child brings a fresh start to the world - but it also carries a deeper resonance: each of us holds the potential to begin again. A beautiful sentiment for births, birthdays, reinventions, or any moment of meaningful renewal.

This quote dates from 1854.