[Alexa Simard]

Concluding this journey of his, Thoreau claims he learned “that if one  advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined he will meet with success…he will put some things behind…pass an invisible boundary.” (358) He explains that he has tested and pushed the boundaries of society, with it’s morals and with its laws. However, he claims that he learned to follow his heart, and that everyone has the ability to do whatever they want.

I agree with Kheldhe, I wasn’t much a fan of Thoreau or his writing and I didn’t see the point of it until the end. However, I am in debt to him, fore he has shown me the idiocy in the fact that we live in a society where luxuries are what define our social status, and the worst part it, we choose to take place in this competition. He’s taught me that I am the only person living for me, and why should I try to follow conformity when there is no meaning to it. He has taught me that the necessaries are the most important things in life, and everything else is not needed.  I will admit that cell phones are cool and watches are shiny, and certain luxuries are nice to have, but instead of getting rid of them, I plan on being thankful for  them. Thankful that I have the opportunity to have such items. Thankful that there is a person like Thoreau who can open our eyes to the real world and appreciate it and all of it’s glory.

-Alexa

[Alexa Simard]

I disagree with Thoreau because I do not believe food is a distraction. Food is one of the necessaries of life, and while some can be unhealthy, that doesn’t make it pointless. Thoreau himself says that imagination and appetite “should both be fed at the same table.” (277). Food, all kinds of food, triggers something different in each one of our minds. It has the ability to trigger memories. Food also defines who we are, in a way. What I mean by this is that we can easily define what foods we do and do not like; maybe a fruit is too sweet or too bitter. Although small, we are still learning more about ourselves, which is one of the things Thoreau is trying to do, find his true self. Now, how can one find their true self if they are not able to discover the little things about themselves? Every aspect of ourselves is important, and if we limit the “little things”, that’s taking away from our knowledge about ourselves.

Noah brings up a great point by considering the time period Thoreau was in and comparing it to what science says to us about “brain food.” The data is well supported and his opinion is based off of accurate facts. We get hammered every day with “three meals a day” or “your food is your fuel” and although I can see how Thoreau might think otherwise, Noah makes a great argument on how Thoreau’s actual knowledge is lacking due to the period of time he lived in.

Taylor, I enjoyed your interpretation as well as your explanation of “the worm”. Your analysis of your chosen quotes was insightful and very clear.

 

[Alexa Simard]

I too, agree with Haley’s statement about “humanizing” the ants, and I believe it goes back to my point. Thoreau is putting humans on the same level as ants, so if he’s making this comparison, there already is not difference between us and the ants. I don’t think the ants represent simplicity, I believe they represent society at it’s current state.

I also agree with Connors point, when he says the ants represent society being divided. His opinion was well rounded and profound.

[Alexa Simard]

If everyone experienced living simply as Thoreau, we would not turn into living like the Ants. There could be an argument made, saying that the ants were battling over food, one a the necessaries of life, which means this could be interpreted otherwise. However, Thoreau doesn’t just comment on the chip that the ants want, but how far they are willing to go in order to get it.He compares them to past American wars, saying, “There is not a fight recorded in the Concord history, at least, if in the history of America, that will bear a moment’s comparison with this.”(288) He continues to say that their battle was based  on principle; patriotism and heroism. By this being their goal, if humans were to live a simple life, we wouldn’t be living like the ants. In fact, I believe the ants are representing our past instead. For example, on page 289 when Thoreau mentions the Battle of Bunker Hill, it seems to make a direct correlation with what is going on with the Ants. The war occurred when colonial men found out that British troops were being sent over to be present in Charleston, on hills such as Bunker Hill and Breeds Hill.  It was the British, who represent the black ant, who had the advantage of being the stronger force, and winning the battle, but still suffered  from a well fought battle. The significance of this is that the ants are representing our past, not our future. And in the past, we did not live simple lives like Thoreau. By the ants representing our past, it shows that they too are not simple, which means nothing would change, and history would repeat itself.

-Alexa

[Alexa Simard]

Thoreau admires the stillness of the pond, commenting that it, ” is so remarkable for its depth and purity.” (247). The pond is another place where Thoreau goes that calms him, in a way. It seems that nature itself  has that affect on him. Another example is when Thoreau was hearing raindrops when he felt lonely, and each drop relaxed him. This is a perfect environment to achieve his goal of purity and solitude.

Taylor M, I was intrigued by your view of the pond, saying how the first impression was much different than the second, and then you comparing it to the first impressions of people. I think it’s an accurate point and I didn’t think to connect the two.

Hunter, I entirely agree with you. The point you make on how he goes to the pond to observe the qualities he doesn’t see in people is very profound. It’s obvious that society has a whole seems to disappoint Thoreau, and he seems to constantly criticize the qualities it lacks; using the pond is just another way to say that society has the ability to be better, but it remains stagnant.

[Alexa Simard]

This chapter is different because Thoreau chooses to do this work, unlike from “Economy” where he discusses work is an obligation. The work that Thoreau does in his field he describes by saying “they attached me to the earth, and so I got strength like Anteaus.”(232) Thoreau’s reason for secluding himself is to be one with nature, and this field is a way to give to the earth, and watch as miracles grow from its soil.

Kelcie, I enjoy the point you made about Thoreau not wanting to sell the crops, and I enjoy your interpretation of the quote, saying that he was practicing self-discipline.

Taylor, I understand how you might think Thoreau is contradicting himself, but I’m on the fence about that. I don’t  entirely think he’s contradicting himself, I believe that he discourages the work they do, and the reason they do it, but I do not believe he dislikes farmers as a whole. I think by doing this work, himself  he’s trying to make a statement; that maybe people would enjoy theirs work more if they were doing it for themselves and not for actual profit. Which brings me back to Kelcie’s statement, that he isn’t selling the crops but intact using them to connect him with nature.

[Alexa Simard]

An example of this is when Thoreau was buying farms in the beginning of this chapter. He says he often paid more for these properties than they were worth, or he even bought unattractive ones. The whole point of buying this land was so he could seclude himself, and be with nature; his spirituality. He cared more about the value of spirituality each piece of land would give him, rather than each compliment he would get on materialistic qualities.

I believe it depends on the person. I know we all say ” our generation lives with their head in their phone”, which I know can be true, but I also know that there are many people who do prioritize their spirituality. Yes, it does seem like the majority of us are invested in some type of technology, by why must we make these general statements? As cliche as this might sound, every one has a different story and a different way of life. In response to Conner, I understand your point on materialistic things being the ‘norm’, but I disagree with your wording ” society as a whole.” However, even Thoreau himself generalizes society as a whole, making it seem as though he is the only one to live his own mode of life.

In response to Jadie, although I may have a different opinion, I did enjoy your take on our second question. I believe the “cell service” analogy was hilarious, and unfortunately sometimes true. I liked how you were able to clearly get your point across with something that can be easily related to.

-Alexa Simard

[Alexa Simard]

April,

I think that’s an interesting point of view; saying that his loneliness is why he gives human qualities to things that are not human. I agree with Kheldhe’s statement on how it is realistic and rational.

[Alexa Simard]

Taylor, I really enjoyed the point you made. Thoreau does everything for himself, and not for society, and by buying the house that is unappealing because he simply doesn’t care to impress his neighbors, is something I didn’t think about. It goes back to him avoiding materialistic importance of society, and focusing more so on him own beliefs on what is necessary, which as you said was farming and maintaining the necessaries of life.

Alexa Simard

 

[Alexa Simard]

He says it’s important because “nothing can make life a burden to me.”(213) He is saying that the world around him doesn’t ruin his day or make it worse for him. He argues that it is important by saying ” this whole earth which we all inhabit is but a point.”(214)

In this passage he also makes a statement on about loneliness. He says that one person means no more than another and that society lives their lives no realizing that there is a whole different world around them that they don’t get to see. He continues this point by saying people in society don’t have or make time for each other. This can go with what Amanda is saying humans are often insincere to each other. He also says that we are never alone, specifically him, and that nature is our company.

In response to Elise, you’re right, living in solitude isn’t easy. In fact, in “Sounds” as well as “solitude” Thoreau reflects on his own loneliness sometimes. And I think it was god to bring up, because it shows relatable quality to Thoreau, which is often hard to find in his writings.

[Alexa Simard]

He does this because of his seclusion. Unlike the majority of his society, he actually had the time to sit and appreciate things we may overlook in our everyday life. He says that “I had this advantage, at least, in my mode of life, over those who were obliged to look abroad for amusement…that my life itself was become my amusement and never ceased to be novel.” (198) This is just another example of how Thoreau separates himself from an average person; he can find entertainment through mere observation of the world around us.

In response to Amanda, I agree with the point you make on how Thoreau seems to replace people with animals. He does this also with seasons and weather. He talks about the sound of the drops of rain, and how each one of them has a certain presence and introduces a new thought for him. He seems to only want nature, and implies that the importance of human presence is overrated.

[Alexa Simard]

One of these qualities, and perhaps the most important, is the seclusion of the Hollowell farm. The farm is a perfect place for Thoreau because it takes him away from society, which is exactly what he wants. His priority seems to be himself; with this seclusion that is included with the farm, he does not have to worry about anyone or anything else.

In response to Julia, I really enjoyed how you brought this back to Economy and I completely agree! Thoreau is unique in the fact that he has the ability to only need or want the true necessities of life, and I  agree with you on how that separates him from “the average man”.

[Alexa Simard]

Thoreau says that the necessary things in life include “Food, Clothing, Fuel, and shelter.” He continues on, and makes it seem as though one cannot just “get” the necessary items, but are already born in to a life that may or may not already have these things; as if he’s saying people must “make do” with what they have at first. All of these necessaries are related  to heat, and if one is not born in to a life with these things handed to them, they are forced to strive for the rest  by living an honorable life. Once a man has maintained these necessaries, it is time that he, as a human, maintains a strong foundation and is the best he can be.

What Max points out, however, is interesting. He says that “civilized people are always working towards luxuries, not necessities.” And throughout this whole section, Thoreau is constantly trying to drill that the necessities are all one needs, and that these so called “luxuries” are useless and therefore, if THAT important, should be worked for. Having those luxuries, however, is what sets each person a part; it adds a price to their name. Society is so caught up in striving for these unnecessary items, that they often do not think to live with the basic necessities.

-Alexa

[Author]

Posts