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Henry Avila's Reviews > Walden

Walden by Henry David Thoreau
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it was amazing

The never quite understood philosophy of a man who swam against the current of mainstream beliefs. Sorry I borrowed these words from comments about another review, a good friend, not stealing though, these are my own scribbles, repeating the impressions here. Henry David Thoreau a native of Concord, Massachusetts, a pencil maker, the family business which financed his expensive Harvard education and published the at first neglected books. A disciple of Ralph Waldo Emerson and at his urging in 1845, built a log cabin that he lived in for two years on the shore of Walden Pond ( it was his friend's land). Thoreau first day the 4th of July a good omen, future generations will be greatly influenced by his writings "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation", " Perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer", " All good things are wild, and free". The beauty of the lake, its peacefulness, the surrounding forest, plants, animals, birds in the sky , fish in the water all contribute to the enchanting magic, such thoughts by Mr. Thoreau were formed in a large part by his stay in paradise here. Curiosity his greatest strength and worse enemy, fellow citizens considered the unconventional person odd and maybe unhinged. However the gentleman by himself erected a very comfortable home, small but cozy, kept him warm in the winter and cool in summer, and during the very heavy , fearsome, rather frightening to say the least,
rains storms... not a drop fell inside; even keeping furniture dry for his modest needs. In the frigid winter when the pond freezes he walks to the middle and measures its depth by dropping a rock tied to a string after punching a hole in the ice...102 feet deep . He was never lonely, friends and acquaintances frequently came to see the strange man to his annoyance, too much, he felt happiest alone looking at the blue and sometimes green lake always changing color. Viewing a hawk in the air diving and rising, repeatedly just joyful to be alive, this was what he believed also, nature is glorious, nothing better on Earth. A solitary figure looms,
inside a little boat floating on the water's surface, contended, not caring if he Thoreau caught any fish, watching hour after hour dazzling birds on trees, animals searching for food some put outside by him for them to eat, observing the wild untamed creatures, writing down
their habits , on paper, fascinated. Nonetheless a newfangled contraption, a train roars nearby, so-called civilization creeps closer. This book celebrates the magnificence of the world, and man's destroying its beauty, this must not occur, prevent this crime and preserve nature, Mr. Thoreau believes and the Legend began with a single man in the woods...Still people want to make money, they will try by any means to do, the constant dilemma...beauty or profit? An important work for those interested and should be read. Besides Henry David Thoreau was a fine writer and terrific onlooker...who preferred to sniff a flower, than stomping on it.
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Reading Progress

April 4, 2018 – Shelved
April 4, 2018 – Shelved as: to-read
February 24, 2019 – Started Reading
March 8, 2019 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-12 of 12 (12 new)

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message 1: by Dolors (new)

Dolors Ahhh Henry...glad you liked Thoreau's idealistic meanderings. I also did, as we already discussed in my own rant's thread a while ago. Loved that closing line, Thoreau would have approved of it.


Henry Avila Thank you my friend, it was indeed a pleasure to read this book and be acquainted with Thoreau"s thoughts and deeds, Dolors.


Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin Excellent review, Henry!! 😊


Henry Avila I appreciate your nice words...thanks again.


Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin You’re welcome 😊


Sarah Booth Great review Henry.


Henry Avila Thank you it is quite a trip into the past Sarah, which has become legendary..


Henry Avila You are welcome, I too enjoyed it, such an unique book.


message 9: by Ken (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ken You capture the books slow and timeless nature well!


Henry Avila Thank you a great book but not for everyone...


message 11: by David (new)

David It's puzzling to me that people like this book so much.


message 12: by Henry (last edited Sep 14, 2024 05:54PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Henry Avila An Utopia for the weary.


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