Thoreau’s early paragraphs in “Slavery in Massachusetts” are quite interesting. Naturally, one would think a piece on slavery by a known abolitionist would start with (or at least include near the beginning) a […]

Thoreau’s early paragraphs in “Slavery in Massachusetts” are quite interesting. Naturally, one would think a piece on slavery by a known abolitionist would start with (or at least include near the beginning) a […]

[Slavery and servility have produced no sweet-scented flower annually, to charm the senses of men]

I find it fascinating how throughout “Slavery in Massachusetts” we can find instances of Thoreau going off on […]

[We are not a religious people, but we are a nation of politicians. We do not care for the Bible, but we do care for the newspaper.]

This is another extremely bold statement by Thoreau. Yes, throughout its […]

[I believe that, in this country, the press exerts a greater and a more pernicious influence than the Church did in its worst period.]

Upon reading this passage, I was shocked, but after rereading it I saw he […]

[with Hindoo mercy avoid treading on every venomous reptile]

This line reminds me of Thoreau’s mention of Hindoo philosophers and other ancient thinkers in “Economy” in Walden. In “Economy,” Thoreau praises […]

This seems to counter Schulz’ claim that Thoreau was misanthropic. Apparently, he loved to sit with others in the social bar-room. This sounds like the opposite of misanthropy, but it is obviously biased as it […]