[Jenny Nguyen]

To conclude Thoreau’s magnificent journey at Walden Pond, he writes in his last chapter the overview of: his observations, his experiences, what he has learned, and what he already knew. During his five-year experiment, he gained such knowledge that no one really had reach at his time. Thoreau learned that nature is not just a setting or some area with foliage, but the philosophy of life in general. It overall accentuates that simplicity can be obtained for a higher quality of life. With these discoveries, he was able to encounter the feeling of enlightenment “like a man in a waking moment, to men in their waking moments, for he was [I am] convinced that he [I] cannot exaggerate enough to lay the foundation of a true expression.” His decision to seclude himself out in the forest was ultimately the best decision he’s made in his life.Thoreau adapted in nature by submitting himself to solitude. By entering this inner peace, it allowed him to develop self-realization and self-reliance, to open his eyes to his true self. With that being said, once one can understand themselves, they can further understand the rest of universe–as Thoreau had found.

Personally, I hated this reading… at first. When I read it i couldn’t understand a thing that Thoreau was trying write. Then, I began re-reading and re-reading and re-reading, etc., to comprehend what he had to say and there, I realized the compelling points that he had. Walden revealed the essence of individualism that I hadn’t gotten a grasp of just yet. His words opened my eyes and mind, which I had never done before. If everyone isolated themselves to find their inner peace, they would be amazed at what they never knew about themselves, about life, about anything and everything. Thoreau also taught me the importance of nature and that it resembles the simplicity in life that anyone can live in, if they made the right changes. Simplicity is what today’s society needs to accommodate the wisdom that Thoreau developed on his journey. He disclosed the antidote to what the corrupt and unethical society that inhabits today and thus, I thank him for exposing me this philosophical gift.

Of Thoreau’s aspects of philosophy, I will definitely put away my cell phone, laptop, and any other sort of technology, to revel on the things. I will attempt to seclude myself every once and a while to understand myself and the universe that I live in. With his idea of self-reflection, he affected me in ways I cannot put in words. Now, I try to self-reflect more often and I’ve learned so much while divulging into the self-reliance I had never had beforehand. I believe that Thoreau’s Walden should be used in the normal English/Literature curriculum in high school. This philosophical piece would make much more of an impact on the lives of students and their thinking process. I know that it has done this for me.

[Jenny Nguyen]

“The Bean Field” proved to be a slight change in direction for Thoreau’s philosophy on the working life. Previously in the “Economy,” he discouraged farmers and their work; however now, coincidentally, he has joined with them. Thoreau had expressed that the basic necessities that nature provides are the ones that are necessary for sustenance rather than economical gain. His desires defers from the mindset of other farmers where he describes farming as “ancient poetry and mythology suggest, at least, that husbandry was once a sacred art; but it is pursued with irreverent haste and needlessness by us, our object being to have large farms and large crops merely.” Thoreau’s reward in this farm investment wasn’t the profit, but really the development of self discipline. He describes the common farmer’s outlook inhibiting “avarice and selfishness, and a groveling habit, from which none of us is free, of regarding the soil as property, or the means of acquiring property chiefly…husbandry is degraded with us, and the farmer leads the meanest of lives.” Furthermore, he concludes that his values in being a farmer and selling crops is for the personal reward.
Kelcie’s usage of the quotes on page 235 and 237 accentuates Thoreau’s outlook on his new farming life. She shows that he significantly valued the personal good that came from being a farmer. Money wasn’t the source of pleasure, it was really the discipline that is acquired.

[Jenny Nguyen]

According to Thoreau, materialism has inflicted Americans immensely. He discusses that Americans’ choice of material over spiritual realty is the downfall to them. Thoreau criticizes that “men think that it is essential that the Nation have commerce, and export ice, and talk through a telegraph, and ride thirty miles an hour, without a doubt, whether they do or not; but whether we should live like baboons or like men, is little uncertain.” Here, Thoreau rightfully questions on the average American’s priorities in life. They are too dumbfounded to look at the real world and reality before them.

As of today in 2014, the preference for materialistic objects still consist in society. It is quite shameful because with materialism, there is evil egoism, arrogance, and sadly ignorance. The reason for material being preferred over spiritual reality is due to the evolution of technology. Yes, technology advances the possibilities that people can reach but, truly it has brainwashed into thinking that technology is everything. For example, less and less people attend church or follow a religion. They choose game systems and expensive TV’s over goodness and traditions. This is what society is now and it is shameful. Now, everyone should read Walden and take a look into what’s real and how things should be.

Conner,
I enjoyed reading your response, your quotes furthered supported what you had to say (by the way, it was nicely said). Your comparison and analysis of the farm and being jailed took on the meaning of materialism and I liked that your usage of that quote. I also fully agree with your outlook on the effect of material objects on those of today.

[Jenny Nguyen]

In the chapter of “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For,” Thoreau gives insight on his living situation. He had been very displeased with many of the farm plots that he had seen, but the only one that stood out of the bunch was the land on Hollowell Farm. However, there is no ideal aspect of this farm land, nothing that anyone would be at least bit attracted to. Thoreau sees it differently on the contrary. His distinct personality fell in love in this land for it’s–in the words of Thoreau–“simplicity, simplicity, simplicity, simplicity,” and also, its distance from civilization. This sort of isolation would make living there very difficult to most real estate buyers. Whereas, isolation is everything Thoreau dreams about. He enjoys this type of natural sanctuary over the buzzing urban cities and the constraints of society. This is explains why he “went to the woods because I [he] wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I [he] could learn what it had to teach, and not, when I [he] came to die, discover that I [he] had not lived.” As the distasteful qualities of the farm is to others, it suits every preference of Thoreau and his ideal lifestyle.

Julia,
I know that several others have responded to yours but they have a reason to. I absolutely love that you were able to reconnect to the previous chapter, “Economy.” By restating the necessities of life that Thoreau prioritized, it really emphasized your response.

[Author]

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