Today is the birthday of Henry David Thoreau, famed nature lover and author of Walden.  His impact on modern society is explored by the Center for American Progress:

Thoreau laid the foundation for modern-day environmentalism. He articulated a philosophy based on environmental and social responsibility, resource efficiency, and living simply that is as inspiring now as it was then. He believed that to live a good life we must keep the wild intact.

You can find a blog dedicated to daily Thoreau quotes here.