*This was published in the September 13th edition of the Biola University newspaper
Looking for a book with non-stop, heart-pounding action? Maybe searching for a story about a passionate love affair? If this fits your description of a good book, put that thought on hold for the next five minutes. Instead, embrace a peaceful, serene story of a complex man, pursuing a simple life, to discover the meaning of it all.
“Walden” is the autobiography of a man who chose to reject communal living and move to the woods. During the summer of 1845, Henry David Thoreau moved to a small dwelling he built on the shores of Walden Pond, located near Concord, Mass. During his time in the woods, Thoreau recorded his experiences apart from society’s distractions.
Thoreau describes his lifestyle and thoughts during the two years, two months and two days he spent living at Walden Pond. From building his own house, to providing his own food, he weaves an intricate portrait of a self-sufficient individual. Colorful descriptions of encounters with nature makes readers feel as though they are standing next to him. Vivid language and inspiring phrases dominate the landscape of his prose. He speaks simply, yet his thoughts, feelings and emotions have a profound impact.
Some misunderstand Thoreau’s project and think of him as a recluse, longing to distance himself from others. But Thoreau was no misanthrope. He loved privacy, as evidenced by his famous quote, “I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” But his motives for going to the woods were far beyond revulsion toward humanity.
Ostensibly, his intention for isolating himself was to live with only the essentials necessary for survival. But it seems that he had bigger plans in mind.
Thoreau delves into social, spiritual and even philosophical issues. Human nature is a main focus of his musings. Modern society and man’s incessant bustling about are vehemently condemned. He sees man’s occupation with life’s labors as an inhibitor to maximizing one’s time on earth.
Instead he preaches a life of Spartan-like existence. Riches mean very little in his ideal vision of a life well lived. To Thoreau, simplicity is valued far beyond extravagance. His thought provoking admonition against new clothing exemplifies his attitude. “I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes.”
He places an emphasis on enjoying life in the moment instead of postponing happiness until one has accrued fame, fortune and family.
The book ends on an optimistic note. Thoreau leaves Walden Pond, but with a renewed appreciation for life outside the woods. His time spent in seclusion gave him hope for the future. He realized the life he wanted to pursue and was satisfied with moving confidently in that direction.
To the modern reader, “Walden” seems to hold little value. Most high school students are required to read it, but few see it as more than a deranged man rambling about nature.
The apparent lack of interest in “Walden” is a tragedy. This work is a timeless masterpiece that should be celebrated by all. I encourage you to read it. If you read it in high school, read it again. But follow Thoreau’s example. Find solitude. Go somewhere secluded. Picture yourself floating in Walden Pond on a hot summer day. Embrace the privacy of nature, and let his words resonate within your soul.
Looking for a book with non-stop, heart-pounding action? Maybe searching for a story about a passionate love affair? If this fits your description of a good book, put that thought on hold for the next five minutes. Instead, embrace a peaceful, serene story of a complex man, pursuing a simple life, to discover the meaning of it all.
“Walden” is the autobiography of a man who chose to reject communal living and move to the woods. During the summer of 1845, Henry David Thoreau moved to a small dwelling he built on the shores of Walden Pond, located near Concord, Mass. During his time in the woods, Thoreau recorded his experiences apart from society’s distractions.
Thoreau describes his lifestyle and thoughts during the two years, two months and two days he spent living at Walden Pond. From building his own house, to providing his own food, he weaves an intricate portrait of a self-sufficient individual. Colorful descriptions of encounters with nature makes readers feel as though they are standing next to him. Vivid language and inspiring phrases dominate the landscape of his prose. He speaks simply, yet his thoughts, feelings and emotions have a profound impact.
Some misunderstand Thoreau’s project and think of him as a recluse, longing to distance himself from others. But Thoreau was no misanthrope. He loved privacy, as evidenced by his famous quote, “I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” But his motives for going to the woods were far beyond revulsion toward humanity.
Ostensibly, his intention for isolating himself was to live with only the essentials necessary for survival. But it seems that he had bigger plans in mind.
Thoreau delves into social, spiritual and even philosophical issues. Human nature is a main focus of his musings. Modern society and man’s incessant bustling about are vehemently condemned. He sees man’s occupation with life’s labors as an inhibitor to maximizing one’s time on earth.
Instead he preaches a life of Spartan-like existence. Riches mean very little in his ideal vision of a life well lived. To Thoreau, simplicity is valued far beyond extravagance. His thought provoking admonition against new clothing exemplifies his attitude. “I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes.”
He places an emphasis on enjoying life in the moment instead of postponing happiness until one has accrued fame, fortune and family.
The book ends on an optimistic note. Thoreau leaves Walden Pond, but with a renewed appreciation for life outside the woods. His time spent in seclusion gave him hope for the future. He realized the life he wanted to pursue and was satisfied with moving confidently in that direction.
To the modern reader, “Walden” seems to hold little value. Most high school students are required to read it, but few see it as more than a deranged man rambling about nature.
The apparent lack of interest in “Walden” is a tragedy. This work is a timeless masterpiece that should be celebrated by all. I encourage you to read it. If you read it in high school, read it again. But follow Thoreau’s example. Find solitude. Go somewhere secluded. Picture yourself floating in Walden Pond on a hot summer day. Embrace the privacy of nature, and let his words resonate within your soul.
1 comments:
Mark, this is a great article ! I loved the sentence..."simplicity is valued far beyond extravagance".
So glad we can read some of your writings.
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