The Timeless Philosophy Of Thoreau
At twenty-seven years old Henry Thoreau built a small 10’ by 15’ house on Walden Pond where he would live for the next 2 years, 2 months and 2 days.
At twenty-seven years old Henry Thoreau built a small 10’ by 15’ house on Walden Pond where he would live for the next 2 years, 2 months and 2 days. Thoreau wanted to see whether it was possible for one to live simply and economically living in solitude on his friend, Waldo Emerson’s land.
The Essence of Walden
Published in 1854, Walden is a collection of Thoreau's reflective account of the two years he spent living in his small cabin near Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau’s adventure was to be more than just a physical and economical test but instead prove to be a philosophical journey for the young writer which would change his life and create his most influential book Walden which would influence people and movements all around the world.
Simplicity and Deliberate Living
At the heart of Thoreau's philosophy is the idea of simplicity. He famously wrote, "Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand."
Thoreau believed that simplicity is the key to transcending the burdens and problems which plague society. By living simply he believed he could be almost entirely self-sufficient and remove any superfluous possessions and distractions. Thoreau’s call for simplicity came at a time when many of the distractions we now face did not exist, his message is arguably more relevant now as it was then due to the consumer culture and social media takeover the world has suffered in the past twenty years.
By removing distractions Thoreau was able to connect more deeply with the work he was doing which at the time was writing, growing vegetables and taking long walks in the forest. A focus on minimalism is what led Thoreau to write Walden and allowed him to live without having to work like the rest of society at that time.
By removing distractions and living simply we will be more deliberate and focused on the tasks which we perform everyday.
Self-Reliance and Independence
Another one of the main reasons that Thoreau set out to live in solitude at Walden pond was to test his self-reliance and independence. He encourages us to build our own house, grow our own food and embrace a life free from the constraints of modern societal expectations.
Thoreau embraced the solitude as it helped him focus on himself and his thoughts as opposed to worrying about other people’s problems. When he was doing his routine tasks outside he remembers hearing the sounds of the birds in the tree’s which made him feel connected to the nature which surrounded him. In an age of dependency on technology and comfort we can learn many things from what Thoreau learnt while living at Walden. His quiet and peaceful time at Walden serves to show what is possible when you let everything go and embrace simplicity and nature.
By growing his own vegetables Thoreau was able to make an income every year which he would use to buy food and other necessary supplies. The feeling of self-reliance empowered Thoreau and made him feel more in control of his life.
Nature as a Source of Inspiration
One of the most compelling aspects of Walden is Thoreau's deep connection with nature. He viewed the natural world as a source of spiritual and intellectual nourishment. "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life," he wrote. Thoreau's communion with nature teaches us the importance of slowing down and appreciating the beauty and wisdom that the natural world offers. Whether it's a walk in the park or a hike in the mountains, these moments of immersion in nature can be profoundly rejuvenating.
Thoreau’s Walden Is not only a philosophical book but an ode to nature as well. While at Walden Pond Thoreau created a deep connection with the natural world. He saw nature as a source of spiritual and intellectual nourishment. "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life," he wrote.
Nature allowed Thoreau to take a break from him daily work and appreciate the beauty and wisdom that the natural world offers. His long walks in nature helped him clear his mind which can get distracted from your goals if you do not stop once in a while to reset your mind. Thoreau’s philosophy was above all a philosophy of the mind, to live consciously and deliberately towards your goals without distractions and external influences.
Whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the wilderness, moments of immersion in nature can be profoundly rejuvenating.
Civil Disobedience and Individual Conscience
Thoreau’s life in solitude was served as a testament to his philosophy and his overarching values. In his essay “Civil Disobedience”, Thoreau argued that the primacy of individual conscience must be valued above unjust laws. Thoreau believed that human individuality cannot be accounted for in black and white laws which are enforced upon a society. For this reason Thoreau set out on his own to Walden, to pursue his meaning and purpose in the forest, away from a society which was flawed. The idea of individual conscience over unjust laws has inspired countless social movements and leaders, from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr.
Living with character is something I have written about before and Thoreau himself believed deeply in it. He insists that we have our own moral integrity and resistance to the injustice, to follow our own path wherever it may lead us. When we come across challenges and struggles Thoreau wrote that we must stand up for our principles and act in accordance with out own ethical beliefs.
Because of this Thoreau found governments to be intrusive on the individuals freedom to do as he wishes. Being so connected in society has robbed the individual of the ability to think and act freely without external influences manipulating them. By retreating to the forest Thoreau was able to find his way again and urges us to do the same thing. To find our path.
Finding Modern Relevance
Thoreau’s Walden offers us many ways in which we can improve our consciousness and morality as humans. In search of peace and solitude Thoreau found himself in the forest. In our fast-paced and consumption-driven society today, Thoreau’s emphasis on simplicity, self-reliance and a deep connection to nature is more important than ever before.
Thoreau inspires us to seek for a more meaningful and deliberate life in accordance with your moral and ethical values. By embracing these principles we can cultivate a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment, unburdened by the trivialities that often dominate our lives.
Thoreau's experiment at Walden Pond was more than just an escape from society; it was a profound exploration of what it means to live a purposeful life. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, his teachings offer a timeless guide to finding clarity, peace, and authenticity.
Let's take inspiration from Thoreau and strive to live more deliberately, appreciating the simple joys and profound truths that life has to offer.
"In our fast-paced and consumption-driven society today, Thoreau’s emphasis on simplicity, self-reliance and a deep connection to nature is more important than ever before."
Amen to that.