Henry David Thoreau | Biography, Life Style

Henry David Thoreau (pronounced thuh-ROH) was an American philosopher, poet, and naturalist, born on July 12, 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts. He is best known for his book Walden, which details his experiences living in a cabin he built himself on the shores of Walden Pond for two years. Thoreau was also a leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement and a staunch advocate of civil disobedience.

 

Life and Writings: Thoreau's writings were deeply influenced by his love of nature and his belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. He was a prolific writer, with works ranging from essays and poetry to journals and travelogues. He was also an avid abolitionist and supporter of the women's suffrage movement.

Friendship: Thoreau was friends with many of the leading intellectuals of his time, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, with whom he shared a close friendship and a philosophical outlook. He was also close with the naturalist Louis Agassiz and the poet Walt Whitman.

Politics: Thoreau's political views were shaped by his belief in individual freedom and self-reliance. He was a vocal critic of slavery and the Mexican-American War, and he refused to pay his poll tax in protest of the U.S. government's support of slavery. This act of civil disobedience led to his brief imprisonment, which inspired his essay "Civil Disobedience."

Physical appearance: Thoreau was known for his lanky build and piercing blue eyes. He was often described as a solitary figure, with a deep connection to nature and a strong sense of individualism.

Early life and education: Thoreau was born to a family of modest means and was educated at Harvard University, where he studied languages, literature, and philosophy. After graduation, he worked as a teacher, a surveyor, and a pencil maker before dedicating himself to writing and natural history.

Nature and Human Existence: Thoreau saw nature as a reflection of the divine and believed that spending time in nature was essential to understanding the human experience. He believed that living simply and in harmony with nature was the key to living a meaningful life.

Return to Concord: After his two-year stay at Walden Pond, Thoreau returned to Concord and continued to write and lecture on nature and social justice issues. He also became involved in local politics and was a leading member of the Underground Railroad, helping to transport escaped slaves to freedom.

Civil Disobedience: Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience" remains one of his most influential works. In it, he argues that individuals have a moral obligation to disobey unjust laws and that the government's power is derived from the consent of the governed.

The Ethics of Perception: Thoreau was deeply interested in the relationship between perception and ethics, and he believed that our perception of the world shapes our understanding of morality. He believed that our experience of nature could help us cultivate a more ethical and compassionate worldview.

Later years: In his later years, Thoreau's health began to decline, and he became increasingly reclusive. He continued to write and lecture, but his focus shifted towards the preservation of natural habitats and the importance of environmental conservation.

Death: Thoreau died on May 6, 1862, at the age of 44, from tuberculosis. He left behind a legacy as a pioneering philosopher and naturalist, whose ideas continue to inspire generations of thinkers and activists.