Economy

Economy

1. Criticism of Society

   • Men work too much to obtain unnecessary goods.
   • Humans are slaves to the worries of life.
   • They rely on older generations, forgetful of the fact that they have free will.
   • College tuition is a waste of money, and knowledge should be obtained by your own volition.
   • Transportation is a waste of money, and more importance should be placed on what you do when you are at a location.
   • Philantrophy is selfish, and is simply a way to alleviate one's own fears.

2. Existence

   • Humans only need the bare necessities of life: food, shelter, clothing, and fuel.
   • Men should live a primitive life while at the same time having intellectual power.
   • People may be wealthy in riches, but are poor in spirit.
   • Men should not be judged on the size of their finances, but rather their ability to think critically about the world.

3. Clothing/Shelter

   • Humans have too much concern for clothing, which is an unnecessary luxury.
   • People should worry more about having a pure soul.
   • Clothing is simply a way to show off one's status.
   • Clothing manufacturers only seek to further their own riches.
   • Simple architecture is superior to modern day shelter.
   • It is unacceptable that houses are overly expensive and luxurious.
   • Men should be constructing homes themselves, rather than letting carpenters do it for them.

4. Civilized Man v. Savages

   • A savage is one who is not enslaved by the need for material riches, and lives a spiritually fufilling life.
   • A civilized man is constantly distracted by trivial matters such as debt, and has no room for spiritual development.
   • The best art is created when we are free from the constraints of ordinary life.

5. Life At Walden Pond

   • Thoreau plants a bean field, which he considers more successful than a regular farm. This is because although farmers use animals, they end up working for those animals instead of vice verca.
   • Thoreau makes charts detailing his purchases.
   • When making bread, Thoreau simply uses water and meal.
   • Thoreau possesses only the basics, such as utensils, a table, a desk, and a char.
   • Thoreau finds pleasure in his freedom, and does not wish for financial gain.