[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

Thoreau talks about his two years living at Walden Pond and what he has learned in his experiment. He was in solitude most of the time and was able to connect with nature separating himself from “deep… ruts of tradition and conformity” (paragraph 4). Thoreau was able to focus on himself, reflect on his life and society, and connect with nature. He learned who he was so society would not conform him. He learned that the simplifier “his life [becomes], the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness” (paragraph 5). He learned through an isolated simpler life he could achieve his individuality and understand the unanticipated society.

From reading Walden I have been encouraged to live a simpler life and appreciate what I have. I should not worry about what others think; instead, I should do what is best for me and conform less to society. A simpler life also helps eliminates luxuries. Inevitably in today’s society we will all have some luxuries in life; such as television, a smart phone, or a vacation once in a while, but now I won’t take them for granted as much. We need to appreciate what we have in life. Too many kids today are too materialistic, have smart phones before the age ten, and take technology for granted. Today’s children would appall Thoreau.

-Isabella

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

In “Brute Neighbors” Thoreau describes a war between red and black ants. If we were all to live as simply as Thoreau we would turn into these ants. These ants were fighting over food, one of the necessities of life according to Thoreau as we read in economy. The ants showed humanistic signs such as “conquer or die” as we have done in battle in history and today (Thoreau 288). He compares these ants to history to help explain and show the advantage humans or ants can have over others. As Taylor and Amanda said, these ants are passionate and willing come together to fight for a cause as the Americans did for their independence.

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

Thoreau believes eating savoring foods are a distraction from the higher intellectual pursuits, while simple foods are to sustain life and improve nutrition. In “Higher Laws” he says fruits are acceptable to eat, but when mixed with anything else the meal is ruined. He does not believe in “preying on other animals; but this is a miserable way,—as any one who will go to snaring rabbits, or slaughtering lambs, may learn,—and he will be regarded as a benefactor of his race who shall teach man to confine himself to a more innocent and wholesome diet” (paragraph 6). Healthy foods can lead to energy, “wisdom and purity” (paragraph 12). I agree with some of what Thoreau is saying. What one eats is very important and can help fuel ones body and brain. A healthy diet is a responsibility, “Every man is the builder of a temple, called his body” (paragraph 14). What one eats now can affect their life in twenty years.

I agree with Noah that some Thoreau’s thoughts on food are not modern day ideas. Thoreau compares the quality of fish to bread or some potatoes. However, today it is known as a nutritious choice. It does far more for you than a piece of bread.

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

In “The Bean Field” Thoreau talks about the difference in doing work that one wants to do and does not want to do. He becomes a farmer, working for himself, and tending to his beans. He builds a connection with these beans, while in solitude, and betters himself as a man, “I was much slower, and became much more intimate with my beans than usual” (paragraph 4). He put a lot of labor into the beans, such as planting, hoeing, and watering, becoming attached and wanting to keep the beans rather than sell them. He is not looking to do commercial farming or make money off of beans, which are someone’s typical motives. Instead he wants some discipline through labor, which can give him a “constant and imperishable moral” that is achieved through this work (paragraph 4). Most people work in need of profit, but he worked for himself. This contradicts that work is an obligation and one’s responsibility in “Economy”. Thoreau instead finds it the opposite of an obligation.

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

Thoreau discusses the symbolism of a pond nearby his house in “The Ponds” and how it is another escape for him from society. His reoccurring theme of life is removal from society. He sees this pond as purifying and reflection of life. He talks about it’s “remarkable transparency”, “depth and purity”, and colors of the water (paragraph 5-7). It is a peaceful place where one can reflect and enjoy nature’s company. He believes the isolation and purifying at Walden pond work very well together.  He furthermore says the pond is “earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature” (paragraph 17). He believes nature is something to be very close to. It calms his very well. He enjoys the purifying, calmness, seclusion, and stillness of the pond. His environment is an important factor in his life.

 

Taylor “Pineapple” Moss makes an excellent point that Thoreau not only adores the pond for its beauty and purity, but also its sentimental values. He talks fondly about fishing and his memories there when he was younger. This connection that he has with the pond can relate to many people who have “spot” of their own.

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

I like how Elise recognized how hard it could be living in solitude or alone. It takes a lot of strength to withdraw yourself and would cause your life to have a major adjustment. Thoreau is one of a kind that has that strength to focus on mature. Most average people wouldn’t have that strength to do that.

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

I agree with Cassie that Thoreau preferred simplicity and seclusion. She used a good quote to show his love for nature. He wanted to live far away from people and that’s what the farm would give him.

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

In “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For” Thoreau explains why he almost bought Hallow Farms. It was everything he wanted, secluded and surrounded by nature. His dream would be fulfilled because “Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with nature herself” (paragraph 14). This solitude and seclusion from the rest of the world is not typically what people want. Often, people will live in a city, town, or neighborhood, will many to talk to and see; however, Thoreau did not want neighbors. He wanted to be removed from society and with nature. This relates back to economy and solitude because he further explains his ideal life of simplicity, seclusion, and surrounded by nature.

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

In “Solitude” Thoreau argues that it is very important to be alone at times. He says he never experienced a “companion that was so companionable as solitude” (Paragraph 12). He believes everyone should escape the town gossip at times and enjoy the serene forest or nature. Nature is his comfort, so he never felt alone. Instead, he felt one with the forest and that solitude is good for one’s health, “continually cheered by… [a] natural society, and come to know that we are never alone” (paragraph 14). Nature is always there while man is not. One can be in a room full of people and still be alone. Thoreau gives an example of a quiet diligent student. He says the little time we sped together is not even worth it because people do not make “time to acquire any new value for each other” (paragraph 13). People are not always there, but nature is.

I find this passage interesting because often times lonely people just want to be surrounded and loved by people, while Thoreau is saying people mainly need nature, not people. Solitude can be healthy for ones mind and health, but only for so long. People depend on affection from one another.

[Isabella “Strawberry” Maguire]

In “Economy” Thoreau states the necessities of life are “Food, shelter, clothing, and Fuel” (120). Every man needs these four things to survive. They can be in the most basic form, but must be present. For example, one does not need a name brand coat, as long as they have some sort of clothing in the cold they will be kept warm. Man has created the necessities in several forms, such as building houses, discovering fire, and cooking all types of food. All of these; however, relate back to warmth. The “man’s body is a stove” that needs food and fuel to keep it warm. Furthermore, we seek shelter and clothing to keep us warm too. The four necessities act as individuals, but also together to create a common goal of body warmth. After one achieves these four necessary things one is then able to solve “problems of life with freedom and prospect of success” (120). So once the core basics have been established we can grow off of them and expand our ideas and desires.

I agree with Shelby and Muriel that clothing could possibly not be a necessity. It can serve as warmth, but also as shelter and a sense of pride or showing off creating jealousy. Clothing is  technically not needed at all times. If one already has shelter, food, and fuel why would they need clothes. The other three can work together to provide warmth. Clothing can also be a fashion statement, lead to showing off, self expression, and envy. If Thoreau is trying to say the most basic needs of life then they don’t need to be making a fashion statement. It is obvious that everyone needs food, fuel, and shelter, but clothing is questionable.

-Isabella

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