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Friday, April 26, 2024

Final Blog Post: Henry David Thoreau

 Exploring the Life and Philosophy of Henry David Thoreau 

Introduction: The Legacy of Thoreau 

Henry David Thoreau was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher who is considered by many to be an exceptionally prominent figure in the realms of literature and philosophy. His life was entwined with nature and transcendentalist ideals. Although thought to be entitled or perpetually adolescent in his way of life by some, he continues to inspire generations to seek a simple life that is rooted in or connected to the natural world.  

 

Early Life and Influences 

Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts in 1817 and raised in a family defined by their intellectual pursuits and progressive thoughts. His upbringing, surrounded by the Transcendentalist movement and the intellectual ferment of his time, shaped his worldview from an early age. Thoreau's exposure to the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, his mentor and friend, proved pivotal in shaping his philosophical outlook. Although the two American thinkers had a turbulent relationship due to serious philosophical and personal differences, they had a profound and lasting effect upon one another, with Emerson emphasizing the importance of intuition, self-reliance, and a profound connection with nature in Thoreau. 

Walden: A Quest for Simple Living 

At the heart of Thoreau's philosophy lies his seminal work, "Walden; or Life in the Woods." Published in 1854, this book chronicles Thoreau's experiment in simple living, as he retreats to a cabin near Walden Pond.  

In 1844, he "epitomized the pastoral fantasy" that so many have since tried to emulate- a "life in harmony with nature" that was still comfortable and convenient. He built a one-room cabin with the help of his friends a mere half-hour walk from the nearest town where his parents and friends resided. However, this relative isolation allowed Thoreau to explore the essence of existence, advocating for a life stripped of unnecessary complexities. His call to "Simplify, simplify" resonates as a timeless injunction to cultivate a life of purpose and authenticity. Watch this short video to learn why some think Walden should be read by every American student:

  

Nature as Teacher and Muse 

Central to Thoreau's philosophy is his reverence for the natural world. He viewed nature not merely as a backdrop but as a profound source of wisdom and inspiration. Immersed in the relative wilderness, Thoreau found solace, beauty, and profound truths that illuminated the human condition. His writings brim with vivid descriptions of the flora and fauna of Concord, inviting readers to rekindle their own connection with the natural world and rediscover the profound lessons it imparts. 

There are some accounts that suggest when he attempted a journey into the true wilderness, Thoreau was horrified by what he saw and returned to town, took up residence in his parents' house, and helped his father run his pencil-making business, making improvements as he went. This article goes into detail on his ventures in the world of business.

https://www.strategy-business.com/blog/Yes-Henry-David-Thoreau-Was-an-Industrial-Innovator  

Nature vs. Spirit

In his essay “Nature,” Ralph Waldo Emerson asserts that there can be found in the natural world “a sanctity which shames our religions.” Thoreau, I believe, would agree with this statement. But in the same essay Emerson also inclines toward Platonism, stating that nature is “emblematic” of higher truths, and suggesting that the material world has value by virtue of being a subsidiary product of mental reality: each natural object is therefore “a symbol of some spiritual fact.” For the most part, Thoreau recoils from the idea that we could find some kind of higher reality by looking beyond nature: in the “Friday” chapter of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, he asks: “Is not Nature, rightly read, that of which she is commonly taken to be the symbol merely?” As he sees it, the realm of spirit is the physical world, which has a sacred meaning that can be directly perceived. 

Individualism and Self-Reliance 

Thoreau championed the ideals of individualism and self-reliance, urging individuals to trust their inner voice and chart their own course in life. Rejecting societal conventions and materialistic pursuits, he advocated for a life lived in alignment with one's deepest convictions and values. Thoreau's celebration of nonconformity and his call to "March to the beat of your own drum" continue to resonate as a clarion call for authenticity and self-expression. 

Civil Disobedience: A Moral Imperative 

In his influential essay "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau articulates a principled stance against unjust laws and government coercion. Drawing from his own experience of refusing to pay taxes in protest against slavery, Thoreau posits that individuals have a moral obligation to resist unjust authority. He argues for the supremacy of conscience over the dictates of the state, inspiring countless activists and thinkers to embrace civil disobedience as a potent tool for social change. 

Legacy and Influence 

Though Thoreau's life was relatively brief (he died at a mere 44 years of age) his legacy endures as a beacon of intellectual inquiry and moral courage for many people. His writings continue to captivate readers across the globe, offering timeless wisdom on the importance of simplicity, self-reliance, and ethical living. Thoreau's influence extends far beyond the realm of literature, permeating diverse fields such as environmentalism, civil rights, and even poetry and philosophical discourse. Some philosophers such as Stanley Cavell have argued that Thoreau is an embarrassment to “what we have learned to call philosophy,” since his work embodies “a mode of conceptual accuracy” that is “based on an idea of rigor” that is foreign to the academic establishment, while others believe his message of individual empowerment and reverence for nature resonates as strongly today as it did during his lifetime. 

It seems that Cavell is not Thoreau’s only critic. Go here for more: 

Embracing Thoreauvian Wisdom 

In a world marked by rampant consumerism, environmental degradation, and social injustice, the teachings of Henry David Thoreau resonate with renewed urgency in many people. His call to simplify our lives, reconnect with nature, and uphold the dictates of conscience serves as a seemingly timeless antidote to the complexities and distractions of modern existence. While following in his footsteps exactly would be impractical- if not impossible in our modern world, as we navigate the increasing complexities of the twenty-first century, it may be beneficial to heed Thoreau's wisdom and strive to live deliberately and to be mindful of our interconnectedness with the natural world and our capacity to effect positive change in the world. 

For a deeper look into his writings as well as some additional information about them, go here: 

 

1 comment:

  1. Good discussion. I'm not sure the "complexities" of our time make "following his footsteps" so impractical, if we're prepared to rethink the degree of our commitment to consumerism etc.

    Try to integrate your links with the main text, rather than leaving long URLs standing alone (for instance, link your strategy-business.com article to the preceding phrase "This article")...

    And embed videos by pasting the embed code. You can then get rid of the video URL.

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