Henry David Thoreau
Photo 4
Henry David Thoreau said "in Wilderness is the preservation of the World" (Coupe 23). With this he "forged a connection between the intellectual approach of transcendentalism to wilderness to American ideals of democracy, independence, and beauty" (Black and Lybecker vol. 1, 76). He believed in the beauty of wilderness and was against the industrialization of America. For a short time he lived a mile out of town near Concord, Massachusetts on Walden Pond. He lived there completely alone for two years, two months, and two days. He documented this stay in his small cabin in his novel Walden.
In the beginning of his book Thoreau writes, "I should not obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers if very particular inquiries had not been made by my townsmen concerning my mode of life, which some would call impertinent, though they do not appear to me at all impertinent" (Thoreau 1). This sentence demonstrates that Thoreau wrote this book only to answer the questions of his neighbors not to get his name out to the world or to force his life on anyone else. Thoreau died relatively unknown and unrecognized by his fellow writers (Oelchlaeger 133).
Thoreau's message in Walden urged Americans to escape from the mechanical and commercial civilization of America. He wanted people to immerse themselves in nature, even if for just a short time, as he had (Black and Lybecker vol. 1, 76).
In the beginning of his book Thoreau writes, "I should not obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers if very particular inquiries had not been made by my townsmen concerning my mode of life, which some would call impertinent, though they do not appear to me at all impertinent" (Thoreau 1). This sentence demonstrates that Thoreau wrote this book only to answer the questions of his neighbors not to get his name out to the world or to force his life on anyone else. Thoreau died relatively unknown and unrecognized by his fellow writers (Oelchlaeger 133).
Thoreau's message in Walden urged Americans to escape from the mechanical and commercial civilization of America. He wanted people to immerse themselves in nature, even if for just a short time, as he had (Black and Lybecker vol. 1, 76).
Excerpt from Walden"After a still winter night I awoke with the impression that some question had been put to me, which I had been endeavoring in vain to answer in my sleep, as what--how--when--where? But there was dawning Nature, in whom all creatures live, looking in at my broad windows with serene and satisfied face, and no question on her lips. I awoke to an answered question, to Nature and daylight. The snow lying deep on the earth dotted with young pines, and the very slope of the hill on which my house is placed, seemed to say, Forward! Nature puts no question and answers none which we mortals ask. She has long ago taken her resolution. 'O Prince, our eyes contemplate with admiration and transmit to the soul the wonderful and varied spectacle of this universe. The night veils without doubt a part of this glorious creation; but day comes to reveal to us this great work, which extends from earth even into the plains of the ether" (Walden ch. 16).
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Video 2
| This is a clip of a reading from the first chapter "Economy" in Walden by Henry David Thoreau. In this chapter Thoreau outlines his project of living in the cabin near Walden Pond. He tries to illustrate the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle.
Thoreau also records his life in the woods, meticulously keeping track of earnings and expenses, showing his understanding of economy as he builds the house he will live in and buys and grows food to survive. |