[Alondra Estevez]

Thoreau learned that one needs to follow their dreams and ambitions in order to be happy;therefore, successful, too. Thoreau mentions “I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours”(358). By following his desires and reaching his goal, of living in nature for a year, Thoreau has truly become fulfilled.

I have learned how complex,beautiful, and simple nature can be while also realizing how relatable humans are to nature. Thoreau states “I got a rare mess of golden and silver and bright cupreous fishes, which looked like a string of jewels”(354). Here Thoreau uses a metaphor to convey the magnificent simplicity nature has to offer. Furthermore, when Thoreau compares the ants brawl with past historical battles, I was then able to see how alike we are to earths other creatures. Additionally, I will especially try to incorporate the aspects of simplicity and perseverance Thoreau, included in his philosophy, into my life.

[Alondra Estevez]

If everyone would experience living simply as Thoreau did, we probably would turn into living like ants. Since ants live a simple life, working only for survival at all times. The ants in “Brute Neighbors” represent an example of humans fighting for their own people and beliefs. The ants were described as, “the red republicans on the one hand, and the black imperialists on the other. On every side they were engaged in deadly combat”(287).  Here its shown how ants could be seen as representing people, in the way they battle. Additionally, the historical allusions in this chapter helped to establish a comparison between humans and the ants; moreover, it setup the idea that ants and humans are alike in many ways.

 

I found Alexa’s point on how the ants represent our past; therefore,everything would stay the same, interesting and gave me a new point of view I didn’t consider before.

 

[Alondra Estevez]

I disagree with Thoreau’s idea that savoring the deliciousness of food is just a distraction from higher intellectual pursuits. Thoreau goes on to state “Put an extra condiment into your dish, and it will poison you. It is not worth the while to live by rich cookery” (277). Here Thoreau mentions how putting a lot of effort in food is a waste of time for an individual. However, what one puts in their body is important, so why not take extra time on it? Additionally, preparing delicious food stimulates the senses of smell and taste. Having said this, it could also encourage one’s creativity in the preparation of the food, as well as the ingredients. Therefore, to be creatively inspired can lead to intellectual enlightenment.

 

I agree on what Haylee Putnam says about enjoying one’s life to the fullest. Since, time is limited on earth, so one should enjoy themselves, in a healthy a manner, as much as they can.

 

[Alondra Estevez]

In “The Ponds”, by Thoreau he brings up the Walden Pond repeatedly. Given that, the pond symbolizes how nature can be so simple and pure, yet at the same time complex with various attributes making it up. As stated “Nations come and go without defiling it. It is a mirror which no stone can crack… no storms, no dust, can dim its surface fresh”,(257). Here Thoreau describes how the Walden Pond is unique, in the fact that it can be so naturally intricate. The pond is especially unique in the fact that it can’t be disturbed by those around it, even though it has no barrier and is in the open air.  This could be why Thoreau finds nature in general so intriguing.

 

I found Max’s comment on how the pond and land around it, could possibly be viewed as a form of heaven interesting and insightful. Since I gained a new perspective after reading this response.

 

[Alondra Estevez]

In the chapter “Economy”, by Thoreau the crushing obligation needed to be fulfilled by man is obtaining the basics supporting human life. Furthermore, these would include food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. So, in society one would have to start working, any job available,  to reach this goal. Whereas in “The Bean Field”, Thoreau already has access to the necessary basics of life; therefore, leaving him free to spend his time as he sees fit. As stated “I came to love my rows, my beans, though so many more than I wanted”(230). Here Thoreau is describing how much he enjoys growing his beans, presenting how they could be seen more as a hobby for him than work or an obligation.

Additionally, I agree on Kheldhe’s point that “ A man who works for profit is never truly satisfied because he will always need more”. Given that, there is an endless amount of money one could acquire, so it would be nearly impossible to be truly satisfied.

[Alondra Estevez]

As stated in “Where I Lived and What I Lived For” by Thoreau, “The real attraction of the Hollowell farm… were; its complete retirement … the gray color and ruinous state of the house and barn, and the dilapated fences”, (176, Thoreau). Here one can see that the rundown state and plainess of the farm appealed to him. Therefore, signifying how Thoreau didn’t wish to have an osentatious home. Additionaly this displays his desire to live a minimalistic life, as compared to others who want wealth and excessive amounts of materialistic objects. I agree with Noah’s point aboout how simplicity was Thoreau’s goal and what he wanted to achieve most.

[Alondra Estevez]

Moreover, I agree with Hannah Bedard when she states that “Whenever someone has something better, another person finds a way to obtain something of equal or more value”; thus, an individual is more often than not,  unsatisfiable with what they have in life.

[Alondra Estevez]

After reading ” Economy” one could say that Thoreau believes that the “necessaries” of life are the most fundamental elements supporting life in general. As stated “the necessaries of life for man” can “be distributed under the several heads of Food, Shelter, Clothing, and Fuel” (120, Thoreau). Furthermore, after one acquires these basic necessities they are then able to focus on their own personal wants and trying to achieve other goals.
Additionally, all of the “necessaries” of life work together to keep man alive, with food being the core of this system. Thoreau mentions that “Food may be regarded as the fuel which keeps up the fire within us…Shelter and Clothing also serve only to retain the heat thus generated and absorbed”(121, Thoreau). Here it demonstrates how food is the foundation of  life, while clothing and heat compliment it. So, Thoreau provides a reasonable explanation to what is truly needed to sustain life on earth, for all creatures.

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