Chapter 1: Economy

Chapter 1: Economy

1. The title of the chapter, Economy, came from where he must of been living alone in the wood in Walden Pond of Concord, MA.

   • Thoreau talks about labor and men.
     • Next, Thoreau begins talking about slavery. He's an abolitionist, not fond of it.

2. Age and times changing old people and the new generation how easy things are becoming.

   • Reporter to a journal
   • He lost a dog or hound while on a trail.
   • Thoreau's a garden?
   • Food is fuel. Warmth is ritual and grand necessity for our bodies.
     • Discusses clothes.
       • Men are made large, should a more fit shelter. However, individuals were small as well back then as well.
         • To Thoreau, economy is a subject which he admits of being filled with levity.
           • Thoreau goes on to point ot the irony of "modern civilized" society" and how not even half the people own their own homes whereas so called "savage society"
             • A narrative about borrowing an ax at the end of March of 1845 to cut some branches.
               • Prices of building is also discussed as he points out how a Cambridge student room is $30 and questions education and the educational system.
                 • Wanted freedom found work of a day - labor
                   • Advises people to find their way in the world and explains how the town says his way of living is selfish.
                     • Says Philathropy is overrated, and "its for own selfishness which overrates it."
                       • He ends off with a verse from "The Pretensions of Poverty."
             • List of food and explains he ended up sending $25 21 3/4 almost he started with.
               • Speaks of adaptibility of 'man' question of having irony possessions.
                 • After more than 5 years, Thoreau has found that can work for six weeks in a year.
                 • After more than 5 years, Thoreau has found that can work for six weeks in a year.

3. He talks about keeping himself to strict business habits, thus the discussion of the economic port.

   • Is the Walden Pond a great place for business?

4. Outlines his two year stay at the Walden Pond.

   • Many people were concerned when they heard this news.
     • He explained his moral: to show the benefits of a simple lifestyle.
       • Construction of house --> application of self-reliance simplicity.
         • He keeps books that keeps track of his debts and credits.
           • Reles on farming to sustain him.
             • $62 of expenses, gain of $37 - total cost $25
               • He acquires a home and freedom.
                 • handsome bargain
             • investments $15-$9
             • beans, corn, peas, potatoes.
         • stars from scratch
         • moves in on July 4th
       • wants others to see its virtue.
         • people lose their inner freedom to their need to work for things they think they need.
           • farmers - farm
           • prisoners - prison
       • wants to minimize ones needs.
         • food, shelter, clothing, fuel
           • accept nature's gifts
     • worried for his health
   • lived there for 2 years, moved back to "civilized society"