David Thoreau, better known as Henry David Thoreau, was an American essayist, poet, philosopher, and naturalist. He was born on July 12, 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts, and was the third of four children. Thoreau grew up in a family of modest means but received a good education, attending Harvard University from 1833 to 1837.
After graduating from college, Thoreau began teaching at a public school in Concord, but he soon became disillusioned with the education system and left after only two weeks. He then turned to writing, and in 1845, he published his best-known work, “Walden; or, Life in the Woods,” which chronicled his experiences living alone in a cabin he had built on the shores of Walden Pond. To read Walden: https://amzn.to/3J3QYyV
Thoreau was deeply influenced by the transcendentalist movement, which emphasized individualism, self-reliance, and a close relationship with nature. He also became involved in the abolitionist movement and was a strong advocate for civil disobedience as a means of protesting unjust laws.
Thoreau’s other notable works include “Civil Disobedience,” an essay in which he argues that individuals have a moral obligation to resist unjust laws, and “A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers,” a travelogue that he wrote with his brother, John Thoreau.
Thoreau’s health began to decline in the 1850s, and he died on May 6, 1862, at the age of 44, of tuberculosis. Despite his relatively short life, Thoreau’s influence has been enormous, and he is considered one of the most important figures in American literature and philosophy.
Biography and Preface written by Frédéric Deltour, French Author and Spiritual Guide.
He shares with us his ideas about Thoreau's writings:
"Some of the benefits that readers can expect from reading “Walden” include a greater sense of inner peace, a deeper connection with nature, and an increased appreciation for the simple things in life. By adopting Thoreau’s philosophy of simplicity and detachment, readers can learn to let go of the things that hold them back and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
“Walden” is a call to simplicity, environmentalism, and spirituality. It is an important read for those seeking to better understand the importance of nature in our daily lives and how our relationship with it can help us find greater meaning and inner peace."
"Civil disobedience" is a revolutionary call to action. It is a call to reject the status quo, to rise up and reclaim our rights, autonomy, and dignity. It is a manifesto for civil disobedience and the rejection of unjust laws.
This book is an invitation to rebel against the status quo and to create a better world for all. It is a call to put our principles before our fears and to stand up for what is right. Civil disobedience is the path to a better future and this book will show you how to take that path."
Photo by Benjamin D. Maxham active 1848 - 1858 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
