[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

In the final chapter of Walden, Thoreau reveals that he left his life of seclusion for the same reasons why he joined it in the first place. Thoreau was a man of thought, and appreciated every moment his life offered him, he believed that, he “had several more lives to live, and could not spare any more time for that one.” (358). From his time spent at Walden Pond, readers learn that Thoreau was able to find self-discovery when he was alone with nature. In “Conclusion” he reflects upon all the marvelous things he has learned throughout his time at Walden Pond. This chapter beautifully structures all the thoughts touched upon in this book, and it joins them together one last time to give the reader a sense of closure and reassurance to the whole book.

I can honestly admit that while reading some of the passages in Walden I did not enjoy or understand them. However, Thoreau is a very philosophical and deep person, and his mind is a masterpiece which explores all the opportunities life has to offer. Throughout reading this book, and especially while reading the conclusion, Thoreau has opened my eyes to live life the way it is supposed to be lived. He emphasizes the idea to live life with simplicity, and utilize the resources offered to us. I have been inspired to take a step back and live my life the way I want to. “Let everyone mind his own business, and endeavor to be what he was made” (360). Individualism comes into play, and reminds me that I was created different from everyone else for a reason. I believe that I can take a lot away from reading this book.

[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

While reading “Brute Neighbors” Thoreau observes a mass war between the red ants and the black ants. Thoreau saw these ants in an “internecine war; the red republicans on one hand, and the black imperialists on the other.” (287). The viscous acts of the ants are similar to the acts of men. The struggle of fighting and brotherhood faced by the ants, is also one for men. Much like “In the history of America…the patriotism and heroism displayed.” (288). Thoreau compares the war between to ants to the Revolutionary War, where every man fought with the desire to conquer and win. If everyone were to live like Thoreau, I believe that people would not be able to handle the idea of being one with nature. Living in solitude is surely not as simple as Thoreau makes it out to be, I think that there would be a power-struggle among people. This would then lead to an eruption of fighting, and the end of living beautifully with nature.

Taylor, I like how you compared the ants fighting over the chip to Americans fighting for independence. This shows the brute force displayed in both the ants and the colonists. The power of war can make soldiers do anything.

[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

Thoreau discusses that eating delicious foods is a distraction from higher intellectual pursuits. Thoreau believes in the simplest from of living, and this does not include elaborate meals. He stated that “It is not worth the while to live by rich cookery.” (277). Thoreau also believes that eating meat is a bad thing, he thinks that the human race will gradually put an end to eating meat, just as we have put an end to eating each other. Although Thoreau is living life as simply as possible, he must also think about how his lifestyle is affecting his health. Referring to the food pyramid, meats and poultry are a vital addition to the daily diet. Without eating all the necessary elements that the body requires, Thoreau will not be as healthy.

I agree with Max, saying how Thoreau’s ideas of nutrition would not be able to apply to today’s society. Throughout time, for the most part eating patterns have remained similar, always eat your vegetables, so on and so forth. Today, for the most part, humans have access to eat whatever they please, and nothing is really stopping them. For Thoreau, although he faced the internal struggle of wanting meat, he believed that it was wrong.

[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

Thoreau in “Economy” has an opposing view of farming than in “The Bean Field”. When Thoreau discussed farming previously in “Economy” he described it as a deed simply for gaining wealth and goods. However, now in “The Bean Field” farming suddenly is much more appealing to Thoreau. Unlike in “Economy” though, he is farming for self enjoyment and to gain self-discipline as well as experience. Thoreau felt a pleasure in farming; “I turned to my hoeing again I was filled with an inexpressible confidence, and pursued my labor cheerfully with a calm trust in the future” (235). Much different from the type of farming he described previously, where it was strictly based upon the process of working in order to obtain the goods and make a profit. Whereas Thoreau farmed for himself, whether or not he made money from it or not.

I really like how Kheldhe discussed that forced work leads to poor quality, thus getting less out of the job overall. To Thoreau, working for oneself can be more beneficial in the long run. When passion is put into work, there is no doubt that the end result will be of good quality.

[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

In the latest chapter, “The Ponds”, Thoreau compares the lake to “earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of its own nature.” (255). Walden pond, when compared to an eye, suggests that it holds a powerful value and center of focus when it comes to the surroundings.  Much like on a human face, the focus is the unique beauty of the eyes, much like the pond. Thoreau expresses that “the forest has never so good a setting, nor is so distinctly beautiful, as when seen from the middle of a small lake” (255). The eyes are what view the whole world, they are the portal that give the brain piece of mind. To Thoreau, the pond is no ordinary pond, it embodies a deeper meaning which can be seen all throughout “The Ponds”, as it is depicted as a center of attention.

Taylor Moss, I like how you brought this back to “Economy”. Thoreau does indeed appreciate the pond on a higher level. You mentioned how Thoreau sees the pond on a more beautiful level, he sees all that the pond is and what it offers.

[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

While reading “Solitude”, Thoreau explores the feeling that nature is a healthy part of life. For Thoreau he can always rely on nature as an escape and happy place. He views it as never having a “companion that was so companionable as solitude” (217). Thoreau refers to being in solitude as a beautiful experience, it led to a content feeling.

I agree with Muriel when she says how “Walden sees the beauty in nature and not as much in other people.” I like how you brought up this point, I think it shows a lot about his character.

[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

In response to Ane, I like how you talked about Thoreau’s difference from other people. You discussed how his attitude “proves to be a very different mindset from the outlook of an estate buyer”. I agree with you how Thoreau is a unique individual who is very different from the rest of society.

[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

In Thoreau’s, “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For”, he discusses the land on Hollowell Farm. To Thoreau’s unique personality he finds the property quite suitable. He believed that “its complete retirement, being about two miles from the village, half a mile from the nearest neighbor, and separated from the highway by a broad field” (Thoreau 175-6) was an ideal location to reside. Unlike most people, Thoreau enjoys the wilderness and seclusion, therefore, being in the spread out land far from society sets him apart from the average man. For most people, the land on Hollowell farm would be too much of a distance from civilization, thus making life more difficult. Being farther away from urban areas leads to fewer advancements, and requires the use of the natural surroundings. In Thoreau’s case, stated previously in “Economy” when he referenced the necessities of life, living in isolation is not impossible when provided with the essentials.

– Julia Rutledge

 

[Julia “Blueberries” Rutledge]

One of the main topics in “Economy” is what the necessities of life are. Thoreau discusses that all humans require in life is “food, shelter, clothing and fuel” (120). It is obvious that food and fuel are necessary in life, because without these items it would not be possible to survive. So, for that, Thoreau is reasonable by stating the need for food and fuel. However, to some, clothing may seem like a debatable necessity, and rather more of a luxury. Thoreau believes that “the grand necessity, then, for our bodies, is to keep warm, to keep the vital heat in us.” (121). Thoreau thinks that the sole purpose that clothing serves is warmth, not for fashion or luxury.

I agree with Taylor when she discussed shelter. Thoreau talks about how shelter has not been around forever, and some people have to live without it in treacherous weather conditions. Taylor mentioned how people have become more industrious, thus having shelter be a necessity from the protection of nature’s elements. Thoreau makes it evident that humans have gone through several changes throughout time, and the necessities have changed along with them.

– Julia Rutledge

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