Walden and Resistance to Civil Government (Norton Critical Editions)
by Henry David Thoreau
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Read in July, 2007
This book makes it onto the short list of works that changed my life. I read it for the first time ten years ago, and it bolstered me through the tumultuous passions, the ecstasies and despairs, of middle school. Now coming back to the work, I'm delighted to think what a different, richer reader (and person) I am now.
What struck me about Walden this time around was Thoreau's very modern, even experimental, prose style. He doesn't shy away from weird mixed metaphors, punchy sentence fragme...more
What struck me about Walden this time around was Thoreau's very modern, even experimental, prose style. He doesn't shy away from weird mixed metaphors, punchy sentence fragme...more
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Read in September, 2006
recommends it for:
anyone
I love Thoreau's writing, and this chronicle of doing his best to step outside the Capitalist Machine (or off the Capitalist Treadmill -- whichever metaphor you prefer); and then take a look back at the Beast (sorry, new metaphor) for whatever insights he may gain is an American classic, embraced by various generations for various reasons. This book has a lot to say about the pursuit of happiness via out-of-control materialism, making it exceptionally relevant for today's audience. Never mind ...more
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I really enjoyed Resistance to Civil Government, often mistakenly called Civil Disobedience, and I loved Thoreau's philosophy. However, I found Walden a little difficult to chew. I just scanned it because I didn't have time to mull it over.
However, I was given the amazing opportunity by my school, University of Southern Mississippi, to take a trip with my class to Boston, Cambridge, and Concord, MA. We got to spend an afternoon touring Walden's pond and forest while it was raining during the...more
However, I was given the amazing opportunity by my school, University of Southern Mississippi, to take a trip with my class to Boston, Cambridge, and Concord, MA. We got to spend an afternoon touring Walden's pond and forest while it was raining during the...more
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Read in January, 2005
recommends it for:
Everyone
"You'll get as much out of it as you put into it," goes a familiar cliche. And while Thoreau would hate having a cliche applied to his work, it certainly is true of Walden.
Yes, there are dull parts, and Thoreau comes off as a bit of a scold.
But Walden is so much more than dull observations of ants or scolding us for being slaves to an capitalistic-industrial system.
It is inspiring and thought-provoking, and sections, such as the third chapter, "Reading&...more
Yes, there are dull parts, and Thoreau comes off as a bit of a scold.
But Walden is so much more than dull observations of ants or scolding us for being slaves to an capitalistic-industrial system.
It is inspiring and thought-provoking, and sections, such as the third chapter, "Reading&...more
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Read in November, 2006
*I only read Walden*
First off I need to make clear that this book is indisputably a beautifully written piece of work. The reason I give it two stars is only because it is not a style of writing that I enjoy. The writing was very descriptive, which certainly leads to vivid imagery but I really just wanted Thoreau to get to the point. That said, I think that Thoreau had wonderful points, I just would have been happier if it hadn't taken so long to get to them.
First off I need to make clear that this book is indisputably a beautifully written piece of work. The reason I give it two stars is only because it is not a style of writing that I enjoy. The writing was very descriptive, which certainly leads to vivid imagery but I really just wanted Thoreau to get to the point. That said, I think that Thoreau had wonderful points, I just would have been happier if it hadn't taken so long to get to them.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
solipsists
This book is sloooooowww and it's tempting to skip through a lot of it but buried amidst his calculations of how much he spent on farming potatoes and his lengthy accounts of ice freezing and thawing on the pond are some real gems. Profound descriptions of a contemplative life in its most minimal form. Simply, man observing nature, becoming acquainted with its subtle beauty and ever-changing character.
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Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
the noble savages out there
I got to read this while camping on the Meremac and Black rivers in Missouri. I was able to read from the journal of Thoreau on the same calendar days he had written them on the same river he was traveling when he wrote in his journal!
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Read in July, 2006
I read this while I was in Malawi. It was of course followed by an "I want to be adventurous and independent and anti-consumerist" stage.
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yeah, i'm ready to go to my own walden and write a masterpiece. thanks for the inspiration.
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Read in January, 2004
Read this, hug a tree, and f*#k the American government!
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