Thoreau

For this week's question I will be playing the devil's advocate, and critiquing Thoreau seemingly negatively, although I do think depending on what perspective Walden is read from can drastically change the take from Thoreau’s seemingly egotistical and somewhat contradictory words. If one approaches this as I think it should, a journal or diary of a man embarking on a social experiment and documenting his thoughts and findings it makes it much easier to read and think about, so I am prepared to take his side on later topics as well. My question shapes after reading the chapter of economy as a whole but in relation to his quote, “By the words “necessary of life” I mean whatever, of all that man obtains by his own exertions, has been from the first, or from long use has become, so important to human life that few, if any, ever attempt to do without it. To many creatures there is in this sense but one necessary of life, Food. The necessaries of life for man in this climate may, accurately enough, be distributed under the several heads of Food, Shelter, Clothing, and Fuel; for not till we have secured these are we prepared to entertain the true problems of life with freedom and a prospect of success.”

Question: As Thoreau thinks about the “true problems” of life from a first world perspective, globally, do you think the rest of the world's “true problems” align with his/societies?

If it does align, how are citizens of third world countries or natives supposed to obtain these four necessities of life in today's society?

What I mean is, Thoreau boasts of being able to build his house for $24 while he doesn’t own the land at Walden pond, he's allowed to use it, nor does he own the tools required to build the home, and cultivate the land for food, the rest of the world doesn’t have this kind of help and I personally think that skews things quite a bit.

Jordan Palmer

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