Henry David Thoreaus Where I lived, and What I Lived For...

Henry David Thoreaus Where I lived, and What I Lived For I found Henry David Thoreau?s ?Where I Lived, and What I Lived For? made a very convincing argument. He has many examples to support his beliefs. Thoreau stresses the importance and value of living the simplest life nature affords, which I believe is as important now as it was in his day. ?Where I Lived, and What I Lived For? opens with Thoreau describing how he came to live in a small, dilapidated cabin near Walden Pond. He speaks of the many farms he imagines owning, yet never does. Thoreau describes the landscape of the pond and the surrounding area. One of the highlights of Thoreau?s simple daily routine is to watch the sun rise and set on the pond. The†¦show more content†¦He says, ?I did not need to go out doors to take the air, for the atmosphere within had lost none of its freshness. It was not so much within doors as behind a door where I sat, even in the rainiest weather? (13). The cabin?s location also attributes to the simplicity Thoreau portrays. I like the great analogy Thoreau uses to express how remote the cabin is. He says that to his neighbors, he must look as a distant star because he is so far away. Thoreau uses straightforward language to express his point. He states directly, ?Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!? (16). He believes that we should have no more than one or two affairs at a time. Thoreau jokingly writes about man?s need to build a railroad to make our lives simpler. He asks, ?And if railroads are not built, how shall we get to heaven? But if we stay at home and mind our business, who will want railroads (16). Many believe that by building railroads we will simplify traveling, but in truth the work it takes to upkeep the railroads has only further complicated our lives. I love Thoreau?s assertion that if everyone agrees to slow down, our lives would be much simpler. This is true today too, in that a when four-lane highway becomes congested, it is turned into a six or eight lane highway. This, however, rarely eases the congestion. In this way, Thoreau?s assertion remains true. Thoreau then makes a very valid point about theShow MoreRelated Henry Thoreaus Where I Lived and What I Lived For and E.B. Whites Once More to the Lake991 Words   |  4 PagesHenry Thoreaus Where I Lived and What I Lived For and E.B. Whites Once More to the Lake At first glance, Henry Thoreau’s, Where I Lived and What I Lived For, and E.B. White’s, Once More to the Lake, have nothing in common. After several readings; however, one can interpret that both authors have the same message. Even though Thoreau and White use extremely different styles, they both portray nature as the simplest way of life. 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Thoreau’s love of nature can e explained here inRead MoreEgoitarianism In Henry David Thoreau1662 Words   |  7 Pages As one of the most respected and honored writers in all of American literature, millions have idolized Henry David Thoreau for his transcendental ideologies seen throughout many of his works, such as â€Å"Walden†. However is t his respect deserved? Thoreau critics describe him as a very conceited, hypocritical, and egotistical individual who had little respect or empathy for humanity. On the other hand, those in praise of Thoreau describe his writing as unparalleled in terms of detailed descriptionsRead MoreEssay on Where I Lived and What I Lived for608 Words   |  3 PagesHenry David Thoreaus Where I lived, and What I Lived For I found Henry David Thoreau?s ?Where I Lived, and What I Lived For? made a very convincing argument. He has many examples to support his beliefs. Thoreau stresses the importance and value of living the simplest life nature affords, which I believe is as important now as it was in his day. ?Where I Lived, and What I Lived For? Opens with Thoreau describing how he came to live in a small, dilapidated cabin near Walden Pond. He speaksRead MoreTranscendentalism: Henry David Thoreau Essay1096 Words   |  5 PagesHenry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau grew up in poverty; his dad was unsuccessful and had trouble maintaining a steady job. Thoreau followed in his father’s footsteps, ultimately bouncing from job to job, scorned by society for his unconventional way of living and lack of income (Henry David Thoreau, Discovering Biography). Thoreau began to write with the guidance of Ralph Waldo Emerson who became one of the most important influences in his life. Living