Throughout the book “Walden and Other Writings of Henry David Thoreau,” Thoreau argues that nature brings freedom to the soul, mind, and spirit. Thoreau emphasizes the fact that nature allows humanity to get back to the basics by empowering living instead of merely existing. In order to argue his point, went to live in the woods, provide for himself, saunter, and write daily in his journal. His project was then compiled into short essays to make his case. Thoreau set out to prove himself to be free in all aspects. His goal was to sustain that in order to truly be free, oneself must remove the restraints’ put upon himself or herself.
In “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For,” Thoreau implies that he “went to the woods because I wished to …show more content…
Money offers the freedom of security. It can open doors to opportunities that otherwise would be closed. However, Thoreau again reflects in the essay “Economy” by stating that, “the cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run” (29). Therefore, he echoes the argument that money, or items purchased, can only be measured in the time given up to acquire them. However, while living a simple life, materialistic items have less value over time. Inner peace and freedom carry a greater merit, which enables humanity to enjoy spiritual …show more content…
He suggests that nature allows the freedom of openness. The journey itself is the best part of the walk. What is seen, what is felt, what is heard regardless if the destination is reached or not. According to Thoreau, humankind must enjoy the present during the walk and not reflect on the past. A clear mind is the only way to achieve. Thoreau believes when humanity limits itself to only walk in places designed for a specific thought, such as the mall or a museum. The walker is unable to walk in the peace and serenity of nature to eliminate the surrounding chaos. Walking in nature is a philosophical experience, which turns one’s thoughts to life, meaning, and reality and permits humanity to obtain “absolute freedom and wildness,” as stated by
In “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For,” Thoreau implies that he “went to the woods because I wished to …show more content…
Money offers the freedom of security. It can open doors to opportunities that otherwise would be closed. However, Thoreau again reflects in the essay “Economy” by stating that, “the cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run” (29). Therefore, he echoes the argument that money, or items purchased, can only be measured in the time given up to acquire them. However, while living a simple life, materialistic items have less value over time. Inner peace and freedom carry a greater merit, which enables humanity to enjoy spiritual …show more content…
He suggests that nature allows the freedom of openness. The journey itself is the best part of the walk. What is seen, what is felt, what is heard regardless if the destination is reached or not. According to Thoreau, humankind must enjoy the present during the walk and not reflect on the past. A clear mind is the only way to achieve. Thoreau believes when humanity limits itself to only walk in places designed for a specific thought, such as the mall or a museum. The walker is unable to walk in the peace and serenity of nature to eliminate the surrounding chaos. Walking in nature is a philosophical experience, which turns one’s thoughts to life, meaning, and reality and permits humanity to obtain “absolute freedom and wildness,” as stated by