Henry David Thoreau - Walden Lecture Review

Thoreau and Walden

  • Goals of Study: Explore the role of work in a good life, focusing on Thoreau's concepts of self-reliance, simplicity, and intentional living.

  • Key Philosophical Questions:

    • What truly matters in life?

    • How can we obtain what matters?

    • How should we interact with others and nature?

Biography of Henry David Thoreau

  • Life Span: 1817-1862; American essayist/philosopher.

  • Notable Works: "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience."

  • Education: Boston Latin School, Harvard.

  • Occupations: Teacher, surveyor, and Ralph Waldo Emerson's nanny.

  • Philosophical Affiliations: Associated with Emerson and transcendentalism, valuing self-reliance and the inherent goodness of people/nature.

Thoreau's Life at Walden

  • Duration of Residence: Lived in a cabin for 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days, starting July 4, 1845.

  • Activities: Kept a journal, grew a market garden, entertained visitors, wrote two books.

  • Focus: Observed nature extensively.

Necessaries of Life

  • Identified Necessities: Food, Shelter, Clothing, Fuel.

  • Additional Tools: Implements like a knife, axe, spade, and access to books are also important.

  • View on Luxuries: Luxuries hinder the elevation of mankind; emphasize simplicity and independence.

Debt and Property

  • Independence Loss: Comes from owing money and owning burdensome property.

  • Simplicity: Promotes independence and self-reliance, allowing avoidance of these issues.

Self-Cultivation

  • Process: Requires effort, not merely a decision to simplify.

  • Influences: Draws from Stoic ethics and ancient wisdom traditions emphasizing virtue and independence.

Relationships and Simplicity

  • Interpersonal Dynamics: Explore how simplicity influences relationships with others during Thoreau's time at Walden.

Types of Goods

  • Absolute Goods: Valuable independently of others' evaluations.

  • Positional Goods: Value dependent on social perception.

  • Discussion Point: Evaluate the relevance of valuing positional goods in modern life.

Modern Relevance of Walden

  • Contemporary Applicability: Explore if Thoreau's insights apply to today's increased societal complexity and discuss the value of work based on his philosophies.