The Art of Walking: Henry David Thoreau's Philosophy on Nature

In 1850, Henry David Thoreau delivered a highly acclaimed lecture titled "Walking" which was later published as an essay. Thoreau uses this work to share his unique perspective on nature and the significance of immersing ourselves in its natural beauty. While the focus of the essay is on the physical act of walking, Thoreau takes readers on a journey of reflection, using free association and subtle metaphors. His skilled use of literary and rhetorical devices, along with memorable quotes, offers a deep understanding of Thoreau's beliefs on nature and humanity's place within it.

Thoreau's Motive Behind "Walking"

By the time Thoreau wrote "Walking," he had extensively explored his home state of Massachusetts on foot. He had hiked up Mount Katahdin in Maine and wandered the dunes of Cape Cod. Thoreau was also known for spending countless hours in the surrounding woods of his hometown, Concord, Massachusetts. His close friend and occasional walking companion, Bronson Alcott, described him as a "walking muse" who would "emerge from the mists and exhalations, his locks dripping with moisture, on a day that sings with an ever-lyric rhythm." It's evident that Thoreau was highly qualified to write about the art of walking.

Although Thoreau indeed enjoyed the physical aspect of walking, it was not his sole motivation for writing this essay. Like his friend and intellectual mentor, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thoreau believed that nature held moral, spiritual, and philosophical significance. This belief was a fundamental principle of the Transcendentalist movement that emerged in early 19th-century America.

In "Walking," Thoreau attempts to articulate a "higher law" that stands above the laws of society and government. This essay was written during a period of political turmoil over the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, which allowed slave owners to hunt and reclaim their escaped slaves, even in free states like Massachusetts. As an active member of the Underground Railroad, Thoreau was outraged. However, in 1850, he was still cautious about drawing attention to his anti-slavery activities and those of his family. While a lecture on walking may seem unrelated to the political and legal issues of slavery, Thoreau clarifies in the essay's preface that it is actually about "absolute freedom and wildness" and the notion that man is a part of nature, rather than just a member of society.

Thoreau's Perspective on Walking

Thoreau commences his essay by declaring his intent to "speak a word for nature," which he believes is often overshadowed by civilization. He sees walking as an art form that few have truly mastered. A true walker is like a crusader or pilgrim, ready to leave behind everything - family, friends, job, and even life itself - to embark on a journey. A real walk should last a minimum of four hours, and may extend to days, requiring leisure, independence, and freedom that many do not possess. However, Thoreau argues that the majority of people spend most of their time indoors, which he deems detrimental to both physical and intellectual well-being.

Thoreau contemplates that a genuine walk should take place in an untamed and uninhabited area, such as fields and woods, rather than a manicured garden or yard. Additionally, he emphasizes that being in nature is not just a physical location but also a state of mind.

To truly experience being in the woods, it is necessary to rid oneself of any distractions, such as unfinished business or schoolwork, and become completely immersed in the natural environment. The farther away from human civilization and development, the better the walk will be. Thoreau also believes that a good walk should not follow a pre-existing highway or road, as these are designed for people who are in a hurry to reach their destination, rather than appreciating the journey itself. The only exception may be old, abandoned roads that no longer serve a purpose, as shown in Thoreau's own poem, "The Old Marlborough Road," dedicated to one such road outside of his hometown of Concord.

Thoreau's Timeless Message

In summary, Thoreau's "Walking" is a powerful essay that encourages readers to reconnect with nature and embrace the freedom and wildness that come with it. His thoughts on walking and its relationship to nature and society continue to resonate with audiences even today, making this essay a timeless piece of literature.

The Allure of the Wild West: Thoreau's Perspective on Humanity's True Home

Thoreau, a keen observer of nature, begins his essay by remarking on the uncertainty that comes with every walk, but for himself, he tends to head southwest because he believes that it is where the future lies and the land is still unspoiled. During Thoreau's time, Americans were pushing westward towards Oregon, and this was not a new phenomenon as even earlier, European explorers like Columbus sailed west across the Atlantic. In fact, the ancient world also had a fascination with the west, with their dreams of utopian places like Atlantis and Hesperides. However, while Thoreau believes that the West is where mankind belongs, he disapproves of the recent settlements in Australia, seeing it as a "retrograde movement" that has not been successful, judging from the first generation of Australians.

The central idea of Thoreau's essay is that the West is wild, and ultimately, this is where mankind's true home lies. He supports his argument by citing the accounts of European botanists, geographers, biologists, and travelers, who all agree that the wildlife in the New World is bigger, better, and more beautiful than anything they had seen before. For Thoreau, the West represents humanity's future, where people can achieve greater intellectual and physical perfection and embark on a new "heroic age." This is because the West is synonymous with the wild, and it is in the wild that mankind is truly meant to live.

"Nothing is so much to be feared as fear."

In a rebellious stance against societal norms, Thoreau argues that tanned skin is superior to pale skin, common shrubs are better than exotic flowers, and swamps are preferable to towns, cities, or fields. He points out that the great cities of civilizations have all depended on the woods and farmland that surrounded them. Furthermore, some of the greatest literature in the world, including works by Shakespeare, Homer, the Bible, and Greek mythology, acknowledges the superiority of wildness in its "uncivilized free and wild thinking." Even in music and in some of the most important animals for humans, such as horses, buffalo, and even cows, wildness is shown to be superior. Despite this, the majority of people are "like dogs and sheep...tame by inherited disposition" and have no interest in living in the wild. However, Thoreau believes that all individuals should not have their natural instincts subdued in order to conform to society's expectations.

Beyond Labels: Bridging the Gap between the Wild and the Civilized

Thoreau challenges the idea that names have any true significance in differentiating between people, as they are essentially arbitrary and meaningless. Even foreign names, which we do not understand, sound like gibberish to us. Familiar names also provide no real insight into the person bearing them. The only exception, according to Thoreau, is nicknames, as they can reveal some aspect of a person's character. Therefore, names cannot be used to classify individuals as foreign or familiar, or as wild or civilized. A person considered "savage" may actually have a name that we perceive as civilized, just as "we have a wild savage in us, and a savage name may perhaps be recorded as ours."

Thoreau then briefly reflects on the concept of names, recognizing their arbitrary and meaningless nature. He humorously suggests that perhaps people should be named based on their defining traits rather than given traditional names. The only meaningful names are those that are earned, such as in the case of nicknames.

The moon over a forest, pixabay.

In today's world, the value and purpose of human existence have been diminished, and it is perceived as a mere "trivial comedy or farce" rather than the "divine drama" it was once considered. We have lost our fascination with ideas and thoughts and are instead consumed by societal expectations and relationships. However, Thoreau proposes that by reconnecting with nature, we can regain a sense of the inherent meaning of life and the world. He acknowledges that even he only experiences brief moments of nature's potential, living "a sort of border life." For instance, while walking through a common farm, the slanted evening sun shining through a pine forest made him feel as if he were in "a stately hall" among majestic personalities - the pine and oak trees, lichen, and bees - all coexisting in a self-sufficient world, unaware of the farmer who owned the land.

Reconnecting with Nature for a Fuller Life

Our modern lifestyles have led us to a disconnection from nature and a decrease in our creativity and imagination. In order to expand our minds and experience a new, more meaningful perspective, philosopher Henry David Thoreau suggests that we literally elevate ourselves by spending more time exploring the great outdoors. By climbing mountains or trees, we can broaden our horizons and become truly aware of our surroundings. Thoreau shares the example of discovering a beautiful flower at the top of a pine tree and realizing that many of us are unaware of the beauty that surrounds us due to our preoccupation with society and daily life.

As Thoreau concludes his essay, he encourages us to live in the present and let go of the past. He uses the rooster as a symbol of living in the moment, with its morning call representing a healthy immersion in the present. The rooster does not oppress others and stays true to its nature, despite human flaws. Thoreau also describes a breathtaking sunset he witnessed during a walk and compares it to a pilgrimage, which he believes is a metaphor for life. Just like a walk, life should be mindful, appreciating the world around us, and not overly attached to material possessions or work.

The West: A Symbol of Wildness and Freedom

While the destination is not the most important aspect of a walk for Thoreau, the West holds a special significance to him. Throughout history, the West has represented new possibilities, freedom, and the future, while the East represents tradition and the past. As the United States expanded westward during Thoreau's time, he saw it as an opportunity for humanity to reconnect with nature. However, he was also critical of those who pursued economic development and material possessions, as he believed it took away from the wildness of the West.

The Mutual Relationship of Walking and Thinking

For Thoreau, walking and thinking go hand in hand. In order to become a skilled walker, one must think about the world in a certain way, and to think well, one must also spend time walking. Both activities require solitude, exploration, and a fresh perspective. In essence, Thoreau's philosophy on nature and the good life can be summed up in "Walking," as he believes that the way we walk and the way we live are interconnected. By embracing nature and living in the present, we can fully experience the world around us and lead a more fulfilling life.

The Art of Walking: Thoreau's Reflection on the Journey of Life

In his essay "Walking," Thoreau beautifully illustrates the concept of walking as a pilgrimage, meandering through both physical and intellectual paths, just as a good walk would. He returns to this idea towards the end of the essay, metaphorically coming back home as the sun sets on his journey. Thoreau's use of rhetorical and literary devices in this essay, originally intended as a lecture, engages the audience and makes it a rich read.

Metaphors and similes are prominent in "Walking," particularly the message that "walking is living." Through the metaphors of walking as a pilgrimage and the West as the Wild, Thoreau effectively emphasizes his belief. He uses these devices throughout the essay to illustrate the significance of walking.

• "A walker is like a meandering river"
• "Walkers are comparable to knights"
• "A good walker ruminates like a camel while walking"
• "A good walk follows a cometary orbit"
• "Learning is like a horse or cow eating grass"
• "The woods are like the hall of a great family"

Hyperbole and overstatement are also effectively used by Thoreau to emphasize his points:

• "Walking is a necessity for every human being"
• "The West is a paradise for those seeking adventure"
• "A good walker is like a superhero, conquering all obstacles"
• "The woods are a cathedral worthy of awe and reverence"

Thoreau's unconventional views are evident in his use of hyperbole, challenging the audience's expectations. He boldly states that the spirit of knights now resides in walkers and encourages us to leave behind our "embalmed hearts" and embrace the wild during our walks. Thoreau also prefers the wilderness over civilization, claiming that swamps and bogs surpass towns and cities.

Anecdotes are used by Thoreau to illustrate his ideas on how one should live. He candidly shares his personal experiences, including his daily four-hour walks that often exceed 20 miles. These anecdotes introduce and develop the themes he discusses, such as his walks on the Marlborough road, observations of the Rhine and Mississippi rivers, and encounter with a new flower during a climb up a pine tree.

Despite addressing serious topics, Thoreau maintains a familiar and light-hearted tone. His use of anecdotes and hyperbole playfully contrasts moral ideals with down-to-earth wisdom. He also frequently uses first-person pronouns, creating a conversational tone and placing himself on equal ground with the audience.

Thoreau also employs allusion and intertextuality to emphasize his ideas. He quotes himself, saying "In Wildness is the preservation of the world," and questions the purpose of thinking about anything other than the present while in nature. Thoreau's words inspire readers to explore the forest, meadow, and night. He also sarcastically suggests that many students would benefit from more sleep rather than staying up late studying.

"Walking" was originally delivered as a lecture in 1850 and was one of Thoreau's most beloved works. It was written amidst the controversy over The Fugitive Slave Law and serves as a comprehensive philosophy of nature and humanity's relationship with it. Thoreau believed that the West was the natural direction for a walk, symbolizing the call of the wild and the ultimate destination for humans. He saw immersing oneself in the wilderness as essential for personal and societal development, physically, spiritually, and psychologically.

In conclusion, Thoreau's message in "Walking" is clear: we should all make time to walk. Through walking, we not only learn how to think and live, but also become better individuals. Thoreau's words continue to inspire readers to embrace the wilderness and live in the present, just as he did in his own life.

The Importance of Walking: Thoreau's Perspective on the Journey of Life

The famous writer Saadat Hasan Manto once said, "Walking is the best way to stay focused and escape the noise of the world." In his essay "Walking," Thoreau beautifully demonstrates this idea through his use of rhetorical and literary devices, portraying walking as a pilgrimage and incorporating various digressions and side paths, much like a good walk. As the essay comes to an end, Thoreau returns to the concept of walking as a pilgrimage, symbolically coming back home as the sun sets on his intellectual journey. Originally a lecture, the essay is rich in literary and rhetorical devices, engaging its readers and making it a truly impressive read.

Thoreau effectively uses metaphors and similes throughout the essay, particularly emphasizing his belief that "walking is living." He compares walking to a pilgrimage and the Wild of the West, reinforcing his ideas. These devices are skillfully used to illustrate the significance of walking.

• "A walker is like a meandering river"
• "Walkers are knights"
• "A good walker ruminates like a camel while walking"
• "A good walk follows a cometary orbit"
• "Learning is like a horse or cow eating grass"
• "The woods are like the hall of a great family"

Thoreau also effectively employs hyperbole and overstatement to emphasize his points:

• "Walking is a must for every human being"
• "The West is a paradise for adventure seekers"
• "A good walker is like a superhero, conquering all obstacles"
• "The woods are a cathedral worthy of reverence and awe"

Thoreau's unconventional beliefs are evident through his use of hyperbole, challenging his audience's expectations. He boldly states that the spirit of knights now resides in walkers and urges us to leave behind our "embalmed hearts" and embrace the wild during our walks. Thoreau's preference for the wilderness over civilization is also reflected in his use of hyperbole, claiming that swamps and bogs are superior to towns and cities.

The use of anecdotes allows Thoreau to illustrate his ideas on how one should live. He candidly shares his personal experiences, including his daily four-hour walks that often exceed 20 miles. These anecdotes are used to introduce and develop the themes he discusses, such as his walks on the Marlborough road, observations of the Rhine and Mississippi rivers, and encounter with a new flower during a climb up a pine tree.

Despite addressing serious topics, Thoreau maintains a conversational and light-hearted tone. His use of anecdotes and hyperbole playfully contrasts moral ideals with practical wisdom. He frequently uses first-person pronouns, furthering the conversational tone and positioning himself on equal ground with the audience.

To emphasize his ideas, Thoreau also employs allusion and intertextuality. He quotes himself, saying "In Wildness is the preservation of the world," and questions the purpose of thinking about anything other than the present while in nature. Thoreau's words inspire readers to explore the forest, meadow, and night. He also sarcastically suggests that many students would benefit from more sleep rather than staying up late studying.

Initially delivered as a lecture in 1850, "Walking" became one of Thoreau's most beloved works. Written amidst the controversy over The Fugitive Slave Law, the essay serves as a comprehensive philosophy of nature and humanity's relationship with it. Thoreau believed that the West was the natural direction for a walk, symbolizing the call of the wild and the ultimate destination for humans. He saw immersing oneself in the wilderness as essential for personal and societal development, physically, spiritually, and psychologically.

In conclusion, Thoreau's message in "Walking" is clear: walking is an essential activity that we should all make time for. Through walking, we learn how to think and live and become better individuals. Thoreau's words continue to inspire readers to embrace the wilderness and live in the present, just as he did in his own life.

Thoreau's Perspective on Walking and its Meaning in Life

In 1850, renowned philosopher and writer, Thoreau, shared his thoughts on walking in his essay "Walking". Though published posthumously in 1862 after multiple revisions, his words still hold true today. He believed that walking was not simply a mode of transportation, but a way of life.

In this essay, Thoreau reflects on the true meaning of walking and its connection to nature. He delves into the concept of sauntering, which he defines as walking with a purpose beyond reaching a destination. He explores its origins in the Crusades through the French term "Sainte Terre" or Holy Land. According to Thoreau, sauntering is more than just another word for walking; it is a way of immersing ourselves in the wilderness and understanding our place in it.

Thoreau's central argument in "Walking" is that humans are meant to be in the wild, and walking is one way of reconnecting with it. He suggests that as we walk through nature, it reveals to us how we should live our lives. In a world full of distractions and noise, Thoreau believes that walking in the wilderness allows us to clear our minds and truly connect with our surroundings. It is through this connection that we can learn how to think and live in harmony with nature.

Although Thoreau's essay "Walking" was written over a century ago, its message remains as relevant today as it was then. As we navigate through the complexities of modern life, perhaps we can take a cue from Thoreau and find solace and wisdom in the simple act of walking. After all, as he wisely said, "An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."