The philosophies of HENRY DAVID THOREAU (1817-1862)-hero to environmentalists and ecologists, profound thinker on humanity's happiness-have greatly...
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Aug 01, 2011
Elizabeth
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I went for a walk in Concord, Massachusetts on Saturday. My niece is visiting again and I took her out to see Walden Pond, Emerson's house, revolutionary era battlefields, and the house in which Alcott wrote Little Women, which I hope she will now read, even though I found it so dull as a child. There are lots of pictures from the day, mostly like this:
It was chilly and about to rain and no Minute Man trail was going to be attempted in a thunder storm; I don't care how h More...
It was chilly and about to rain and no Minute Man trail was going to be attempted in a thunder storm; I don't care how h More...
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Jul 02, 2008
J
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"When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shopkeepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon too, sitting with crossed legs, so many of them -- as if the legs were made to sit upon, and not to stand or walk upon -- I think that they deserve some credit for not having all committed suicide long ago."
I usually read from this at least a few times a month. One of my all time favorite Thoreau pieces. His wit and critiques are spot on; as More...
I usually read from this at least a few times a month. One of my all time favorite Thoreau pieces. His wit and critiques are spot on; as More...
Mar 02, 2009
Adeline
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Henry David Thoreau, in his essay “Walking”, demonstrates both a deep connection to the natural world as well as an obvious notion about his own superiority in appreciating it. This pretension does not diminish his likability as a narrator, but it does call into question some of his romanticized notions of simple and rugged lifestyles. Thoreau's ruminations on the value and power of walking to distinguish true appreciators of nature from common travelers are tinged with a sense of nobility which
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Nov 26, 2010
Elizabeth
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I was terribly disappointed in this book, primarily because it just didn't flow or hold together. I have known Thoreau primarily from quotations, and indeed, the lyrical or descriptive beauty of random excerpts from this book were its only redeeming elements.
Examples:
"For every walk is a sort of crusade..."
"When a traveler asked Wordsworth's servant to show him her master's study, she answered, 'Here is his library, but his study is out of doors.'" More...
Examples:
"For every walk is a sort of crusade..."
"When a traveler asked Wordsworth's servant to show him her master's study, she answered, 'Here is his library, but his study is out of doors.'" More...
Feb 02, 2012
Toby
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"Walking" by Thoreau does not fail to delivery on the tantilizing promise of its title. It is a thoughtful meandering of the benfits of - walking. More than a mere reflection upon all we miss if we don't 'wander about' on foot, it reflects upon rigidity of our thinking if we fail to allow our minds to roam.
With constant barbs directed at 'Society', and direct and wistfully commentary on the benefits of 'Nature', Thoreau constantly reminds the reader that being in the here More...
With constant barbs directed at 'Society', and direct and wistfully commentary on the benefits of 'Nature', Thoreau constantly reminds the reader that being in the here More...
Feb 12, 2009
Joseph
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This book is not for everyone, but if you are the type of person who can pack lunch and head for the woods to lose your self and the "wonderful life" you will relate.
I read parts of this book weekly it is by my bed side.
I read parts of this book weekly it is by my bed side.
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May 24, 2010
Darceylaine
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It's just a good reminder to get outside and tromp around.
It was kind of creepy to notice the change to this country since the time of Thoreau’s writing. He asks for example: “What would become of us, if we walked only in a garden or a mall?” [p. 11:] For him, a real walk is one where all evidence of civilization disappears from view. He writes with frightening foresight: “At present, in this vicinity, the best part of the land is not private property; the landscape is not owned, a More...
It was kind of creepy to notice the change to this country since the time of Thoreau’s writing. He asks for example: “What would become of us, if we walked only in a garden or a mall?” [p. 11:] For him, a real walk is one where all evidence of civilization disappears from view. He writes with frightening foresight: “At present, in this vicinity, the best part of the land is not private property; the landscape is not owned, a More...
Nov 04, 2010
Dan
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Henry David Thoreau took the act of walking or, in this case, "sauntering" to a new level when writing this tome. His understanding of nature made his walks a very personal experience. His writing also brings out his wealth of knowledge and the desires of a man to lead his own life in his own way. This book gave me a new appreciation for an act most often experienced with little consideration for the world around us. While involved in the genealogical research of my Mother's family
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May 03, 2011
Emma
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This was my second reading of "Walking" and, this time, I chose to read it in nature. That really made all the difference. I found myself hating it this last fall when I read it in the confines of my tiny little room. Surrounding myself in nature and allowing myself to annotate in the margins made me feel like Thoreau and I were on our own walk, having a conversation. Just like any long conversation there were moments I began to zone out and think about other things but overall it is a
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Sep 26, 2011
Dara
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Meandering -- "Where is the literature which gives expression to Nature? He would be a poet who could impress the winds and streams into his service, to speak for him; who nailed words to their primitive senses, as farmers drive down stakes in the spring, which the frost has heaved; who derived his words as often as he used them—transplanted them to his page with earth adhering to their roots; whose words were so true and fresh and natural that they would appear to expand like the buds at t
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Jan 26, 2011
William
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I enjoyed this short book. Through Thoreau’s words I have become very much aware of my relationship to the natural world and all of the distractions which get in my way of true communication with her. These I am working on.
It is my hope that this Man - "Henry David Thoreau" is stating for us a wish, a wish that for those who choose to take the saunters steps they truly saunter. For myself I will step more carefully and with each step use my fullest senses as if on “Old More...
It is my hope that this Man - "Henry David Thoreau" is stating for us a wish, a wish that for those who choose to take the saunters steps they truly saunter. For myself I will step more carefully and with each step use my fullest senses as if on “Old More...
Jun 18, 2011
I must admit I did not get much out of this book. Thoreau has a deep connection to walking and nature; which is evident in this short essay. But, he also shows his favoritism to the United States and shows that he unlike the farmers, shop hands, hunters, etc is able to spend hours walk and thinking. In the end I wanted to say "fuck you Thoreau, I am going for a walk."
May 02, 2011
Jeff
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Walking was a very quick and enjoyable read. Thoreau managed to capture the experience of walking in this exploration of ideas. Each page, like a step on a walk, offered up something beautiful and inspiring, yet often unrelated to the previous step. The story saunters and invites us to saunter along.
Jan 09, 2012
Brian
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Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind for this. The first 1/3 was promising, but it wandered after that. Perhaps it is better read in small portions from the porch of a mtn. cabin or a quiet trail somewhere. Nevertheless, it just didn't do it for me like Walden did.
Mar 29, 2010
Jarkko
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With great ideas and lots of good quotes, this is an inspiring little book. Its writing isn't perfect and at times, it left me unsure of what Thoreau is really writing about, but still a book I'd recommend. At least it won't take more than an hour or two to read!
Oct 17, 2011
Tim
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Seventh of public-domain classics I never read from Project Gutenberg read on my iPod using iBooks software.
Money quote: "Above all, we cannot afford not to live in the present. He is blessed over all mortals who loses no moment of the passing life in remembering the past."
Money quote: "Above all, we cannot afford not to live in the present. He is blessed over all mortals who loses no moment of the passing life in remembering the past."
Sep 23, 2011
Jennifer
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Rebecca Solnit, despite doing this like 200 years after this, did it better. But the reason I like Thoreau as a rhetorician is that he's never too annoying. He's very literal and he's very clear and rarely has incomprehensible, highfalutin' ideas.
Nov 07, 2010
Gretchen
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Yet another essay to read. I felt that while Thoreau was very intelligent and made some interesting points, I felt that this essay was repetitive and got boring after a while. I generally liked Walking, but it was nothing special.
May 04, 2010
Parag
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This wasn't as good as I was expecting. Though there's a choice quote about the Hindoos and their wisdom in there somewhere... just after the Hottentots. Okay, it's dated, but I think I got what he was saying. Still not a big fan of this one.
Nov 30, 2011
Pat
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I always feel guilty that I don't enjoy Thoreau more. I found Walking interesting, but I was glad when I was done reading. Luckily it was a short book. I'll continue to read Thoreau. Maybe some day I'll see the light.
Dec 30, 2010
Scott
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Being one who likes to saunter in nature, this book struck a chord in me and I enjoyed every word. This philosophy is quite opposite of that of Locke which I just read. I too find myself in nature.
Jan 08, 2012
Mariette
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Thoreau's last essay porvides peaceful reading. I've read my copy several times in past years and would like to have it back - but can't remember whom I've lent it to.
Feb 17, 2011
Fantastic final thoughts from the aging Thoreau. I am certainly a saunterer: "sans terre, without land, having no particular home, but equally at home everywhere."
Apr 13, 2011
Lily
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I read this book while on a very rainy day on a tropical island (Palau Selingnaan)- it reminded me how important it is to value nature and live in the moment.
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Feb 04, 2012
Abir
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it was an amazing book, it made think about a lot of things, and it made ditch my car a couple of times, and just walk.
I even got sick from walking under the rain once.
I even got sick from walking under the rain once.
Aug 16, 2011
Heather
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More succint and accessible, but also more harsh and passionate (less reflective) than Walden--Thoreau at his philosophical best.
Dec 22, 2011
Colin
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Thoreau is probably the wittiest writer I've ever read. While he can sometimes be a little verbose and dry, I keep coming back to him for those little gems scattered throughout his work.
Aug 11, 2011
Of interest to all saunterers, anthropologists, naturalists, ponderers, transcendentalists.
Aug 12, 2011
Deema
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It is not a written experience on walking rather a walking experience in writing, whatever that means.
Feb 10, 2011
Jenni
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A little inspirational book on the defense of wilderness. Get outside and enjoy what you have. :)
