I definitely agree with this because I think that Thoreau would see computers as a hinderence to the human mind. I think that he would disapprove on how much people rely on the computer as their source for information and rely less on themselves. I think that he would have a negative view towards computers especially because of the amount of time people spend on them and because of how easily people believe what they read on the internet.
Recent Forum Posts
What was the motive he had in writing Walden and why was solitude so important to him? I do not see why solitude was so important and wonder if it was really necessary.
Also, remember the description of winter. Many people describe winter as a time when all the world is "dead" and can potentially be very dreary. Thoreau's is not. Why?
I think Thoreau was a naturalist at heart, Seung. Some people are driven to record everything they observe in great detail, and sometimes this is an indicator of an inclination toward autism even. It's an interesting thought…
Do you guys also think this applies to science? What would happen if we knew the meaning of life and the answers to all the great mysteries of it?
Good questions! I, also, wonder what Thoreau's position would be on the mentally infirm.
Doesn't this seem almost anti-transcendental to you? That we are a reflection of nature, even if that reflection is "bad"?
This is an excellent idea, guys. It's the same "does the east ever meet the west" question: if we follow extremes, do the seemingly opposite cross paths?
Good question, Jen. Could it be both? Maybe he is just an introvert; it wouldn't mean he doesn't like people, only that he prefers solitude most of the time.
Good question, Molly. I think isolation was much easier to attain in those days, and so probably didn't seem as extreme as we view it. I mean, just look at people like John Muir. Periods of hermitude were not considered at all odd.
Excellent discussion!
Matthew, you break my heart. The truth hurts.
Great insight! I think Thoreau would be disappointed at how difficult it would be to live simply in this day and age.
I think Thoreau is referring to an overall way of life, not just material possessions. His way of life was on overall message of how he believed everyone should live, and he thought it to be much deeper.
Do you think complete isolation was really necessary for Thoreau to get his point across? or could have been done much easier…
Does Thoreau like people? In "Visitors," he discusses how he loves guests, yet, in "Solitude," he speaks of how being alone is the best experience.
Is this simply an issue with Thoreau's writings or that of an entire period of literature? Are there common traits in this type of writing that modern society simply just believes to be inferior. A connection between Anti transcendentalism and Transcendentalism perhaps?
I agree, Transcendentalism reflects an earlier time of human development of philosphy and ideology. Society today has made incredible leaps in this field and would be unable to reflect on this selection as it would be deemed "simplistic", an overdose of flowery language with its basis being far too broad, with Thoreau unable to condense his theory to one sentece.
Thoreau described the ant war to criticize how humans act during war. The ants were much more patriotic than humans when in battle: "there is not the fight recorded in Concord history, at least, if in the history of America, that will bear a moment's comparison with this, whether for the numbers engaged in it, or for the patriotism and heroism displayed" (Thoreau 216). The ants were martyrs, dedicated to their cause, who fought for honor.
I believe that the definition of life is different in regards to each individual. It depends on what a person values as fulfillment in life, which is bound to be different for each person. Tell me, do you think that you, (general) have lived at this point in time, or do you believe that life has more to offer in your future?
