Ch 18 Walden Notes

Ch 18 Walden Notes

1. Instead of encouraging to explore the different realms of the great big world, he emphasizes the exploration of oneself. He said that exploring yourself in solitude and opening new pathways to thoughts is a good way toward a higher spiritual life.

   • He writes, “Nay, be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought” (Thoreau 357). This really shows the Transcendentalism aspect of the novel because it stresses self-realization and free thought.

2. Thoreau speaks about the Mirabeu who tried to put himself in opposition to societal thinking, but this was unnecessary because anyone can bring himself to oppose society if they stick to higher laws. He then goes on to say how it is not hard to disobey society, but it can be challenging to obey one’s own laws.

   • He writes, “It is not for a man to put himself in such an attitude to society, but to maintain himself in whatever attitude he finds himself through obedience to the laws of his being…” (Thoreau 358). Thoreau says that he often opposes society and he does this to strive to live based on his own beliefs in solitude so society does not become a hindrance to his efforts.
   • Thoreau says, “How worn and dusty, then, must be the highways of the world, how deep the ruts of tradition and conformity” (Thoreau 358). In saying this, he highlights the beauty in nonconformity and he also brings up a tenet of Transcendentalism.

3. Thoreau also says, “In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex” (Thoreau 359). Once someone simplifies his life, they will be more satisfied. Once someone explores the realms of their mind, they will not be as tempted to explore the realms of the world because they will be content with themselves because solitude and poverty is its own reward. Thoreau left the pond the same reason he went; to follow his own instincts despite their unpredictability.

4. Thoreau tells a story about an artist who strove to make his staff perfect. In giving his life purpose, he defeated time’s bounds. It gave him “perennial youth.”

   • His devotion to his work was a way of rejecting the pointless concerns of society.