Walden

I learn about the American 19^th century author Henry David Thoreau from speakers such as Wayne Dyer and Les Brown and through popular quotes you may also have heard of like:

“If one advances confidently in the directions of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours”.

OR

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”

The book “Walden” is arguably the most significant work by Thoreau. This is a short book of 19 chapters, describing the author’s two-year experience of solitude,  living mostly by himself in a small cabin which he built near the shores of Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. This was done as a sort of self-experiment on simplicity and on what one needs in order to “live deliberately”.

Although, they have their specific topics, the sequence of the chapters follows the four seasons – summer, autumn, winter and spring. Thoreau’s philosophy revolves around life, economy, charity, knowledge, freedom as well as necessities. These profound examinations are beautifully complemented by the author’s observation of Nature. Apart from a philosopher, Thoreau was a naturalist and in Walden there are extensive records on the local fauna and flora, its changes with the seasons as well as a map of Walden pond with information of its depth at different points.

Before reading “Walden”, I assumed that Thoreau’s main philosophy was that of frugality especially in terms of comforts and that one is free only when all affairs rest on their own two hands. A sort of rediscovery of cynicism as proposed by Diogenes. However, it is more complex than that. It seems that Thoreau was a man who loved solitude, nature and avoided unnecessary appendages in his life and he used himself and his stay at Walden in order to illustrates certain truths that he lived by, truths that are accessible only through practice.

I think it is no coincidence that the first chapter of the book (as well as the longest) is called economy, which is an analysis that Thoreau’s way of life is not only cheaper, but also profitable. I believe this is an answer to the anticipated question “How can you make your home and live by yourself? Isn’t that impractical?” One might imagine that supplying your food only by your own farming and hunting is a horrible burden, but in fact, Thoreau’s experience is quite different. A horrible burden is that of the farmer that works hard to support for a family, to pay off debt, hire workers and pay rent. Supporting solely yourself with the minimal of necessities is a different story. I sometimes even felt a bit envious of the simple life proposed by the author – a life of growing beans, picking berries, hunting and fishing. The day to day experience related in “Walden” is of communicating with nature, of contemplating, of the freedom to explore, create and just be.   

In addition, it would be a mistake to think of Thoreau as someone running away from society, as a hermit avoids people. The author accepted visitors in his cabin if they came by, although he had not much to offer them. He also conversed with different frontier workers like hunters, fishermen or woodcutters, sometimes on profound subjects. And he went now and then to the near market to sell the surplus of his crop. This is not the behavior of a hermit. Rather he was engage in his self-experiment wholeheartedly, while never pushing life aside.         

This is resembled particularly in the style of the book. There is a great ease in the narrative. Thoreau is not assertive or sharp when he criticizes his contemporaries and their way of living. He is far too busy being amazed by the revelations he sees and understand in his small cabin.

Although he is a westerner Thoreau’s philosophy certainly is in many ways congruent with eastern thought. Here is a quote from the Tao Te Ching:        

“When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists”

And here is the opening line from “On the duty of civil disobedience” the famous essay by Thoreau:

“That government is best which governs least”

Now Thoreau could have somehow read the Tao Te Ching since there was a Latin translation dating from 1788, while the first English translation dates from a few years after Thoreau’s death. Henry David Thoreau was certainly familiar with eastern thought, particularly with Indian texts since he quotes the Vedas several times in “Walden”.

But this is beside the point. In would seem that Lao Tzu (the author of the Tao Te Ching) and Thoreau shared the same philosophical methods – contemplating and watching nature by means of which they gained wisdom and understanding. This confirms the notion that many roads lead to the same place and it is possible to rediscover certain truths if one advances in their direction wholeheartedly.

A small book with great substance yet an easygoing style, Walden is a profound and unique work of art and philosophy that enriched me tremendously with the reading of each page. It came my way at precisely the right moment and I will definitely reread it in the near future.   

Who should read “Walden”?

Obviously, this meager review falls far short of the real thing so go and read “Walden”. Particularly if you love going out in nature, hiking and camping, this book is a great way for you to perceive your nature outings as contemplative and even sacred experiences. In a sense, they are pilgrimages if viewed through the lance offered by Thoreau.

Of course, if you are interested in American philosophy or even in 19^th century philosophy Thoreau is a must. Also if you are relatively knowledgeable of Western philosophy but still find it hard understanding Eastern thought “Walden” is a great transitionary piece that can sort of give you a hint of the taste of Eastern philosophy.

Finally, if you have never really gotten to read philosophical books, you’re interested a bit, but are more of a practical person again “Walden” is an excellent entry point in philosophy. Why? Because it is a record of a personal experiment. Thoreau talks the talk and walks the walk. The stereotype of a philosopher is that of one who thinks and contemplates while doing nothing. Lecturing from the comfort of the forum or a university podium. However, Thoreau goes the whole mile, giving precise figures of what the cabin costs, his yield as an amateur farmer and all the details of his life in solitude.

In today’s fast, furious, goal orientated way of life, the record and insights of Thoreau’s experience at Walden Pond is definitely worth checking out.