Henry David Thoreau Essay - 3362 Words

Henry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau was a man who expressed his beliefs of society, government, and mankind while living under his own self-criticism. Thoreau believed he had many weaknesses which made him a failure. This strong disapproval of himself contrasted with his powerful words and strong actions. These contradictions led to some of Thoreaus greatest pieces of literature. Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts on July 12, 1817, in his grandmothers house. Thoreau believed that Concord was, the most estimable place in all the world, and in the very nick of time, too (Harding 4). Though Thoreau was born in the era of good feeling, his family experienced many misfortunes, politically, physically,†¦show more content†¦That sweet solitude my spirit seemed so early to require at once gave the preference to this recess among the pines, where almost sunshine and shadow were the only inhabitants that varied the scene, over the tumultuous and varied city, as if it had found its proper nursery (13-14). It is apparent that Thoreau associates Walden Pond with his happiest memories. Thoreau was a deeply religious man, but disliked church. He was very serious as a child and loved his solitude (Schneider 4). Thoreau says he was truly happiest when he could be by himself (25). In 1828, Thoreau and his older brother John, to whom he was closest, went to Concord Academy. Henry was the smarter of the two and in 1833, was sent to Harvard University, where he did very well. It was there that Thoreau was first exposed to writing publicly when the Editor of the Dial, which is a periodical for a transcendentalist group, gave him a job. In 1837, Thoreau graduated form Harvard and this is where he first heard Ralph Waldo Emerson speak. It was at this time that he began writing his journal. He started teaching in Concords Center School for a brief period of two weeks. Thoreau was told to enforce corporate punishment in the classroom and he resigned. He ended up working in his fathers pencil factory where he improved American pencils. He did this by improving the method of mixing graphite which he discovered by researching the EuropeanShow MoreRelatedHenry David Thoreau1930 Words   |  8 PagesBiographical Summary Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts, and was the son of John Thoreau, a pencil maker, and Cynthia Dunbar (â€Å"Henry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ency. of World). Growing up in a â€Å"modest New England family,† Thoreau was one of four children and was accustomed to living practically (McElroy). As his family was â€Å"permanently poor,† he came to accept a moderate lifestyle, which may have later influenced his thoughts on the necessities of life (â€Å"Henry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ency. of World). As aRead MoreHenry David Thoreau4404 Words   |  18 PagesHenry David Thoreau INTRODUCTION Henry David Thoreau was an American author, poet, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, historian , philosopher andtranscendentalist. Henry David Thoreau was a complex man of many talents who worked hard to shape his craft and his life. He is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay, Civil Disobedience, an argument for individual resistance to civil government in moralRead MoreHenry David Thoreau and the Counterculture1357 Words   |  6 Pageswith Henry David Thoreau and the Counterculture, asserting the existence of an ideal spiritual reality that transcends the empirical and scientific and is knowable through intuition. Imagination and individuality are associated with the term. Henry David Thoreau who was a leading philosopher and poet was a leading transcendentalist. He compiled a novel titled Walden, a non-fiction depicting his stay at Walden Pond where he truly explored nature and h is transcendental quality. Similar to Thoreau, theRead MoreHenry David Thoreau : A Transcendentalist1438 Words   |  6 PagesHenry David Thoreau: A Transcendentalist Religion and politics are perhaps the most important topics of discussion, and paradoxically, the ones least discussed. Our differences cause us to shy away from such depth in our conversations with others and it is a remarkable human being who can share her opinion honestly on the subjects, and even more so, transcend the current popular opinions of the time. Henry David Thoreau was a man such as this. He spoke out against an unjust society and challengedRead MoreWalden By Henry David Thoreau843 Words   |  4 PagesEveryone sees the world through their own eyes. Not two people can see something in the exact same way or interpret it the same way. They can each have their own opinion about the subject. In â€Å"Walden† by Henry David Thoreau, he has a very individualistic view on nature. In â€Å"Walden†, Thoreau goes out into the woods to try and live his life deliberately. Schneider states, â€Å" In 1845, he received permission from Emerson to use a piece of l and that Emerson owned on the shore of Walden Pond.† He staysRead MoreComparing Sigourney And Thoreau, And Henry David Thoreau981 Words   |  4 PagesSigourney and Thoreau The authors Lydia Huntley Sigourney, and Henry David Thoreau, both demonstrate similarities and differences in their works. While comparing both essays, it is evident that both authors share similar views on environmental issues, and at the same time demonstrate great emotional journeys in their works. The extraordinary beauty of nature appears frequently in both pieces. Both authors focus their personal experiences, however, within different subject matters. The way in whichRead MoreThemes Of Henry David Thoreau925 Words   |  4 PagesHenry David Thoreau When people really take their time to look at the beautiful world around them and take it in, it is hard not to be amazed. Nature is the world around us such as plants, animals, ocean, and mounting. Centrally, he focuses on the relationship between nature and wildness, civilization, culture and the freedom in nature. Also, he thought deeply about nature and how can affects our self when we are alone. He extremely exaggeration, he trying to hang up and would attract us. The authorRead MoreThe Legacy Of Henry David Thoreau1991 Words   |  8 Pagessuccess against muscle and weapons. Yet, the enduring leadership and legacy of Henry David Thoreau, an early American author and abolitionist, has shaped the development and evolution of non-violent protest movements worldwide. This is the story of how the power of Thoreau’s words have shaped the arc of history for nearly 200 years: his pen was indeed mightier than the sword. Personal Background: Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts. He was also raised there forRead MoreThe Accomplishments Of Henry David Thoreau1472 Words   |  6 Pages Background Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12th, in Concord Massachusetts. Thoreau was many things, not simply just a writer; but he was one of the most influential writers America knows today. Early on in his life he grew up in a simple home with hard-working parents, and an abundance of siblings. His father and mother both had worked as teachers as well as investing in many other trades to get by. Henry started developing his talent for writing early on, by age ten he had written his firstRead MoreEssay on Henry David Thoreau474 Words   |  2 Pages Henry David Thoreau is a man of many facets; a man who refuses to conform to what the masses believe is acceptable. He calls for the rejection of complexity and for a change in mankind’s view of life. Thoreau, in his many writings, demands change in a stagnant society. He emphasizes respect for nature, even to the point of blatant disrespect for humanity. Thoreau’s connection to nature was a key ingredient in his lifestyle. He studied ants closely; hoping to understand them like one understands