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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper examines the history and relationship of both of these works, and explores themes of individualism and self-reliance. Furthermore, this paper reviews Throeau's criticism of Daniel Webster, which appeared in "Civil Disobedience". Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_GSHDThor.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
the importance which people place on the acquisition of material goods. Basically he believes that spending ones life in pursuit of such matters equates to a wasted life.
Furthermore, because people are so consumed with this endeavor, they miss out on the "real" meaning of life, which is the product of reflection, nature and living a simple life.
Interestingly, Thoreau does not specifically advocate a particular lifestyle but for himself finds that communion with nature is the most fulfilling means of achieving happiness. For Thoreau, nature
was equivalent to spirituality. In terms of individuality, Thoreau believed that to really know oneself, separation from the world, at
least for limited periods of time, was essential. He sequestered himself at Walden Pond in order to pursue just such reflection and contemplation, although he also recognized the importance
of periods of social interaction as well. Although he went to Walden Pond for the experience of solitude, he never suggests that it is necessary or even beneficial to
live devoid of social relationships and interaction. In this regard he gives much merit to the benefits of society. The idea
of submitting to such solitude seems to be particularly poignant in todays society, where we all live such hectic, fast-paced lives. Clearly we can see how this frantic pace
affects peoples lives - from the plethora of stress-related dysfunction and disease to the lives which are being lived in an entirely unreflective manner. This is exactly the opposite
of the self-reliance of which Thoreau spoke. To live mindfully is much more important since it is quiet reflection and spiritual recognition which, according to Thoreau, bring meaning to
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