For a better, more critical take on Mr. Thoreau, see:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/10/19/pond-scum"The real Thoreau was, in the fullest sense of the word, self-obsessed: narcissistic, fanatical about self-control, adamant that he required nothing beyond himself to understand and thrive in the world."
Some highlights:
-HDT was unmoved by dead bodies from a shipwreck, thought they "enhanced" the beauty of the beach.
-A 6' x 3' toolshed with air holes would "make a fine home" (he added he was "not jesting")
-He turned up his nose at food: explicitly condemning salt (the "grossest of groceries") and jam and exhorted readers to limit themselves to 1 meal a day, at most
-He despised his admirers and was superior, condescending and rude, referring to his fellow Concordians as "pygmies and manikins."
-He didn't believed in philanthropy or helping others because it he had "tried it fairly" but it "didn't agree with [his] constitution."
Read on for more.
There are many great 19th C American writers (some ex: https://www.thoughtco.com/notable-authors-of-the-19th-centur...). HDT is not one of them, IMHO.
"The real Thoreau was, in the fullest sense of the word, self-obsessed: narcissistic, fanatical about self-control, adamant that he required nothing beyond himself to understand and thrive in the world."
Some highlights:
-HDT was unmoved by dead bodies from a shipwreck, thought they "enhanced" the beauty of the beach.
-A 6' x 3' toolshed with air holes would "make a fine home" (he added he was "not jesting")
-He turned up his nose at food: explicitly condemning salt (the "grossest of groceries") and jam and exhorted readers to limit themselves to 1 meal a day, at most
-He despised his admirers and was superior, condescending and rude, referring to his fellow Concordians as "pygmies and manikins."
-He didn't believed in philanthropy or helping others because it he had "tried it fairly" but it "didn't agree with [his] constitution."
Read on for more.
There are many great 19th C American writers (some ex: https://www.thoughtco.com/notable-authors-of-the-19th-centur...). HDT is not one of them, IMHO.