A classic that was penned in the mid 19th century, Walden is an account of Thoreau’s 2 year sabbatical in an a secluded cabin on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. I came across the book in the camps library and have always wanted to read it. I grew up in Massachusetts and have visited Walden Pond which is now a state park. Thoreau was a professor who taught at Cambridge College near Boston. A wealthy and learned man he was seeking clarity on the trappings of what life had become. Although the text is over 150 years old, the similarities to todays world are more than ironic.
Thoreau lived alone and would wander into town every so often for supplies but mostly remained at Walden even during the harsh winter months. He writes about his life, preparing for winter and very specific interactions with nature including documenting many types of trees and flowers. It is considered by many to be the first book on the environmental movement. After reading the book, Eagles drummer and singer Don Henley became a driving force that saved the area around Walden Pond from development in the early 1990’s. The story and book resonated with me as I will be living in a small off grid Cabin in Vermont when I leave here. The cabin has been visited and approved by Federal probation who described it as “Primitive” to my camp case manager. I have learned from the book and my own life experience that we do not need much to be healthy and happy. Excess intake of food and overindulgences in just about everything seems to be the American way. I found the vernacular of the time period and the terms used a slight distraction to understanding the points the author was making. The language seemed more of an attempt to come off as sophisticated to its readers as I’m certain the town people of Concord or even wealthy aristocrats did not use wording in that manner. A highly recommended read.
