Henry David Thoreau Research Paper
Henry David Thoreau, one of the best American romantic writers of his time, left a huge question for us about dwelling and what that means. He explains in his essays his opinions on the subject, but leaves the choice of how to live up to the reader. He isn’t trying to force civilization to change, but he at least wants us to think about the benefits of connecting with our earth. Thoreau wants us to spend time with, and develop a relationship with it, by separating us from technology, and other people. He promotes connection with nature, self-sufficiency and separation from needless luxuries. Social media is currently stunting our ability to live a correct Thoreauvian lifestyle. It is wasting time that we could be spending working, or appreciating the beauty of literature or the world around us.
Some forms of technology are not necessary, and “we must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids...”(Pg. 73) Thoreau states, suggesting that people must learn to occupy themselves without modes of unnecessary entertainment and extravagance. He isn’t saying that we can’t have fun, he is merely saying that not every luxury that we have is necessary, applying Thoreau’s points to our current …show more content…
“Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and provided food for themselves and families simply and honestly enough…”(Pg.37) Working for what you want will make you appreciate it more, when you get it, growing your own food, and sustaining for yourself brings great joy. Thoreau writes about baking himself some bread, noting that “When it stormed before my bread was baked, I fixed a few boards over the fire, and sat under them to watch my loaf, and passed some pleasant hours in that way.” Spending time working for something feels good, when you see the fruits of your labor: like a son or daughter going to college, or raising a
Some forms of technology are not necessary, and “we must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids...”(Pg. 73) Thoreau states, suggesting that people must learn to occupy themselves without modes of unnecessary entertainment and extravagance. He isn’t saying that we can’t have fun, he is merely saying that not every luxury that we have is necessary, applying Thoreau’s points to our current …show more content…
“Who knows but if men constructed their dwellings with their own hands, and provided food for themselves and families simply and honestly enough…”(Pg.37) Working for what you want will make you appreciate it more, when you get it, growing your own food, and sustaining for yourself brings great joy. Thoreau writes about baking himself some bread, noting that “When it stormed before my bread was baked, I fixed a few boards over the fire, and sat under them to watch my loaf, and passed some pleasant hours in that way.” Spending time working for something feels good, when you see the fruits of your labor: like a son or daughter going to college, or raising a