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Philosopher of the Week

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)


By Titilope

Henry David Thoreau was an American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher. A leading transcendentalist, he is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay "Civil Disobedience" (originally published as "Resistance to Civil Government"), an argument in favor of citizen disobedience against an unjust state.

Henry David Thoreau grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, and attended Harvard College. After his graduation in 1837, he returned to Concord, where he taught school, lectured, served as a surveyor, worked as Ralph Waldo Emerson's handyman, and wrote and edited The Dial, a magazine written by a group of philosophers and writers called Transcendentalists.

Thoreau and the Transcendentalists believed that there was more to reality than what a person could experience with their senses and more knowledge than what a person could discover through human reason. They encouraged self-examination, individualism, and exploration of the beauty nature and humankind.

"To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust." (from "Economy" in Walden).

 They saw a connection between the universe and the individual. Fulfillment of human potential was achieved by observation and awareness of the beauty and truth of the surrounding natural world.

"Perfect sincerity and transparency make a great part of beauty, as in dewdrops, lakes, and diamonds."

In order to live out his beliefs and to allow himself to be in nature, Thoreau built himself a cabin near Walden Pond, where he lived from 1845-1847. He wrote Walden about his experiences and reasons for choosing to live apart from society.

Thoreau advises all dreamers, with true transcendental philosophy, "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them."

Other Thoreau advice/quotes:

• The world is but a canvas to the imagination.

• The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.

• Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.

• It is never too late to give up your prejudices.

• Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.

• Things do not change; we change.

• Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

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