[Shelby Lamprides]

In the closing of the book Thoreau speaks collectively about what he has learned from his experience. Mainly he has learned to appreciate hard work and minimalism. From reading this book I have learned more about the concept of minimalism and the serenity it can bring to life. Thoreau’s philosophy is that of a “less is more” or “money can’t buy happiness” mentality, something often said hypocritically in our society. I have also learned to have a greater respect for nature and the solace it offers. It is far too easy to get caught up in the rapid urbanisation and shunning of the natural world. But if you just take a moment and look,and really you don’t have to look very hard, you can see all that the world has to offer by just going outside and putting your phone down. I hope to better utilize the concepts of minimalism and natural sanctuary in my own life.
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

I agreed with Thoreau’s veiw that gluttony is sinful and distracting “it is not worth the while to live by rich cookery”. Thoreau clearly views over indulgence as wasteful and pointless, instead believing that humans should only eat what they need to live. This is an overall healthy diet and would fit a man who has isolated himself from society(and excess food)
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

I think the ants in this passage represent a simple and uniform life. They live their lives, like Thoreau, only focusing on the necessities. This lifestyle allows them to only focus on what Thoreau had deemed important. Thoreau relates the ants war to that of the American Revolution.
I like the point Haley made about how Thoreau purposely humanized the ants to make their actions more relatable.
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

I found Hunter’s connection from the pound to religion to be an interesting one and one I myself did not at first consider. With keeping this in mind I reread the passage and it made a lot more sense than it previously had.
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

I feel Noah made great isw of textual content to emphasize his point.
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

The work that Thoreau does in the bean feild is not part of necessity philosophy but done by him simply for the experience. He does the work in solitude and without help, this allows him to feel “much more intimate with [the] beans than usual”. As he has moved past any commercial purpose in his work he finds the experience enjoyable. What is hinted at here is how obligatory work is often more draining and mundane as compared to when one works for the main purpose of wanting to do so.
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

I like Muriel’s use of quotations and how in-depth her description of the farm is.Her description makes it easier to envision the farm and allows the reader to have a better understanding of what kind of person Thoreau is.
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

I like Amanda’s use of quotations and how she relates this passage to the previous one
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

In “Where I Lived and What I Lived For” Thoreau discusses the object of materialism is American culture. Thoreau points out how Americans prefer to choose the more difficult and unspiritual way of life of the opposite. This is direct opposition to Thoreau’s own person philosophy of necessity over luxury “petty fears and petty pleasures are but the shadow of the reality” (12). In our everyday culture the materialism fuels our capitalist economy and way of life, almost all of us have been brought up to think materialism IS necessary. While this in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, Thoreau debates that our lives would be happier and simpler if we abandoned that thought process.
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

In Thoreau’s, “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For”, he discusses the land on Hollowell Farm. His ideal living arrangements would be far away for society and plenty isolated. Thoreau chooses this as a direct consequence of his own personal philosophy of necessity over luxury as discussed in economy. The house was deplorable and in a “ruinous state” but it provided shelter. It was isolated but maintained good access to food and water. As Noah pointed out,the farm was purchased as part of necessity not to impress anyone.
-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

I had not thought about but agree with Hannah’s point that humans will often grow envious of their neighbors’ material unnecessary goods

-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

Noah

I agree with your analysis of Thoreau’s evaluation of the difference between need and desire.

-Shelby

[Shelby Lamprides]

It seems that in the passage “Economy” that Thoreau has deemed the essentials of living to be “fuel (food and water) shelter, and clothing”. This brings nostalgic feelings to myself as this is what my dad is always quick to respond with when myself or others claim a “need” for luxuries.  It was not until reading this that I truly believe that I grasp the full concept of that saying.

The first necessity, fuel, is most agreeable.  Without the basic of food and water the body would quickly begin to shut slowly becoming weaker and weaker until it cannot function anymore and you simply die. The next necessity, shelter,  is also understandable. As with it’s predecessor, a lack of shelter could lead to hypo or hyperthermia, exposure, or attack by human or beast, any of those ultimately leading to death. The last, clothing, is one I don’t completely agree with.  Clothing is more so deemed necessary by society. The only real ‘essential’ use for it is to protect from the elements.

I find Max’s point of a civilized people’s desire for the material luxuries of the world over the bare necessities both intriguing and thought provoking. It is something we see all the time in our modern capitalized consumer culture. As time and civilization have progressed humanity has place more and more importance on the useless and less on the necessary.

 

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