Learning self-reliance and nature through Thoreau's philosophy

¶ … trek the newly paved cement path that weaves throughout the vicinity, I can't help but gaze in wonderment. There was once a time where this vast land was an open field, I imagine perhaps a field of daisies and sun flowers. As I lay in the soft grass, I notice that it is not soft, it is full of life which makes it seem like a green cushion. The mortality of the grass was something that I have not noticed before, I always knew that grass was a living object, but I never understood that it is actually alive.

Rolling around in the grass with my dog, I stumbled into some coarse, prickly, lifelessly hay-like grass. This was when I began to realize that the lively grass would bounce back every time I rolled off of it. This illustrated to me that like the grass, as humans, when something brings us down or pushes us down, we learn from the experience and we are able to bounce back up. From the simplicity of greenery, it showed me the absolute beauty and appreciation of being alive. I notice some trees nearby and I notice the rigorous swaying of the green leaves on the branch, which is so full of life and so mesmerizing.

As I lay on my back staring in the trees, one tree lined up after the other, a golden-brown leaf floats onto my chest. I grabbed the leaf by the stem, then I clench the leaf in my hands, and it crumbles. This life-less maple leaf floating without direction, free from its bind to the branch gave me a sigh of relief. From these observations, it shows that life can be wonderful, and sometimes it can be binding and tedious to the creative mind.

Question 2

I certainly can relate to Thoreau's philosophy. The natural and simple attitude that he presented provides a breath of fresh air in today's very busy and stressful society. Much like Thoreau, I appreciate the individualistic and slightly rebellious attitudes he has pronounced. We both share an affinity for nature and a return to self-reliance and personal interpretations of the universe. I definitely would have liked him and would have sought out his friendship because of our shared beliefs and principles.

Question 3

Life is fluid and ever changing. Nothing remains stable. Nature must change and humans, despite varying opinions on the matter, are very much natural. People are the fruit of the earth and fruit must be consumed and transformed into other matter or energy. Reincarnation is what it is all about. Matter will change into other forms but may not be destroyed or created. Nature is balance and perfection, regardless of the illusions that our senses often provide.

Question 5

Issue: Self deception is at the heart of failure. Acceptance of who we are and what we are is more important than pretending to be someone else.

Conclusion: " Shams and delusions are esteemed for soundest truths, while reality is fabulous" (p.25).

Question 6

Sentence 1: " It would be worth the while if in each town there were a committee appointed, to see that the beauty of the town received no detriment." (p.31).

Sentence 2: " I do not believe that there is a town in this country which realizes in what its true wealth consists." (p.34).

Question 7

After reading Thoreau's writings presented in this reading, I feel slightly humbled yet more confident in my own understanding of the world. Thoreau has a unique way of making me feel like I need to express myself in my own natural way and ignore what others may think. To me Thoreau inserts art and beauty as values in society rather than materialism and money. Even though Thoreau's stay at Walden was temporary, he implies that everyone must create their own Walden, designed in a unique and personal way that reflects the individual's appreciation for nature and life itself.