Walden or, Life in the Woods (1).

Henry David Thoreau. New York: Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1854 (1985).

Why read it? The desire to live close to nature without dependence on material goods. Describes the changing seasons. Offers interesting reflections on modern life.

Quotes and Ideas.

“I would not talk so much about myself if there were anybody else whom I knew as well.” p. 325.

“By seeming fate, commonly called necessity, they are employed … laying up treasures which moth and rust will corrupt and thieves break through and steal.” p. 327.

“He has no time to be anything but a machine.” p. 327.

“…making yourselves sick, that you may lay up something against a sick day….” p. 328.

“It is hard to have a Southern overseer, it is worse to have a Northern one; but worst of all when you are the slave driver of yourself.” p. 328.

“What a man thinks of himself, that it is which determines…his fate.” p. 329.

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” p. 329.

“What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.” p. 329.

To be continued.