In a Dark Time … The Eye Begins to See

Thoreau explores both the American economy and the idea of economizing. In doing so, he seems to be asking if we can have possessions without them possessing us. You can’t read the chapter on “Economy” without recognizing that the problems facing people in the 1850’s have not gone away, but have, instead, multiplied. If Thoreau [...]

Despite the title of this chapter,"Where I Lived, and What I Lived for", where he lived seems less important to Thoreau than what he lived for if we are to believe this essay. As long as you live fully, wherever you live is an ideal place. The key is to simplify your life to the [...]

Although I agreed with much of what Thoreau had to say in this section, surprisingly, I also found much that I disagreed with. As an ex-English teacher and a writer of a literary weblog, I obviously agreed with much of what Thoreau had to say about the importance of books. What I tended to disagree [...]

As an INTP, I’m quite familiar with "Solitude," and, like Thoreau, I often seek out solitude to deal with my inner feelings. Some people like to talk out their feelings. Me, I like to walk alone and figure out what I’m really feeling or try to deal with the emotions before I have to deal [...]