I enjoyed reading Henry David Thoreau More than Emerson. Thoreau just seemed more understandable and more reasonable. Instead of just "talking, the talk" he also "walked the walk". He actually lived in a cabin built by him and took care of himself for two years. He grew his own food and everything.
Another reason why he appealed to me was his stand on "The American Dream". Everyone wants to live in a nice, two story house with a white picket fence and have a two car garage. Everyone wants to try to make the most money possible so they can achieve a greater status. Is this really the way we should think though? As we discussed in class yesterday, what are we giving up to obtain our "American Dream?" Are we sacrificing time with our children and family to make sure they get the most valuable possessions? Are we taking time away from our own personal health by not getting the right amount of sleep or skipping meals because we are too busy to eat?
Thoreau really makes a person think about what really is important in life. Are material possessions really as great as everyone thinks they are?
Here is a great song with a great message:
"I don't want to gain the whole world, and loose my soul" by Tobymac
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZSFhOsyDk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZSFhOsyDk
I definitely agree with you. I like reading Thoreau much more than Emerson. Thoreau also seems to challenge the typical American way of thinking, as you mentioned, but in a way that is easy to understand while you're reading it. I think everyone would be better off if we really tried to have intimate relationships with people instead of just encounters with acquaintances every now and then. Thoreau has a good message, and I agree with you. Thanks for the good post.
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