It took a little discipline to get through it all, but it sure was an enjoyable book. For those who have never read it, I recommend reading about 20 minutes into the first chapter. If you don't like that, you're not going to like any of it.
In my opinion, it has a very strong message. I think the world in general would do better to live more simply.
That's exactly what I did. I read probably a little more than the first chapter and could not stay focused.
Hate to go to secondary sources.... but... if you think you want to get into Walden, and just haven't managed, Stanley Cavell's book, "The Senses of Walden" is brilliant.
(also, Stanley Cavell's books in general are brilliant)
walden is the shiiit
"a man's opinion of himself is largely his destiny"
Walden is good and it is worth the effort, even if you can only stand to read a page a day.
i asked for letters to a spiritual seeker by walden for christmas, i imagine its good short doses of thoreau
Walden... the first great book I ever read. Some of the best paragraghs and some of the best one liners ever written.
The one about the different drum. The one about quiet desperation.
Just great.
Start with chapter 2, if the first one isn't for you.
I'm a big Walden fan.
On a side note, the Walden woods are about 25 minutes from my house.
Cool. I once thought of making the pilgrimage.
Great thread. I havent read it in a long time. I remember it wasn't an easy read but it was worthwhile. I'll have to read again soon.
"Cool. I once thought of making the pilgrimage."
It's nice, but it can get crowded quickly in the summer due to the pond.
Just hit it up last weekend. I ate at the Colonial Inn of Concord for breakfast and Walden is down the street. It really does amaze me sometimes that down the very roads that I drive to work, there were once farmers shitting their pants getting ready to take on the most powerful military in the world. I couldn't imagine what was going through their heads at the time besides, "fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck".
lol