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Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and transcendentalist, discusses several important subjects in the self-authored book Walden. A cardinal topic that keeps repeating in the book is that of maintaining a simpler -yet superior- existence, as this quote by Thoreau illustrates: “I am convinced, both by faith and experience, that to maintain one’s self on this earth is not a hardship, but a pastime, if we will live simply and wisely…” This statement is quite true and, given the provisos of living, would benefit every facet of life in some way. Indeed, Thoreau’s comments in the year 2003 are more applicable than ever before. In support of what he says, Thoreau makes do with only the necessaries of life and receives a precious gift, time, for a simpler being. Thus, if society were to at least take note of Thoreau’s suggestions, we would all be much better off. I am in complete accord with the philosophy of obtaining a better life simply, as life has grown complex. Since man as a whole transformed into an intelligent species, life has grown more and more challenging and perplexing. At one time it was just cavemen living in simple, however cold, adobes of rock. Then came evolution, first the making of fire, and then civilization. With this power, so came more responsibility: taxes, loaning, mortgage, shopping, competition, work, sacrifice, overtime, technology and more, and all in some ways necessary to survive. In the instance of mortgage, if one buys a house, then he or she has to pay completely and consistently to pay it off or said person is quite simply out of shelter, thus not meeting all of Thoreau’s requirement for living: food and water, clothing, fuel, and shelter.
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