Importance Of Self-Reliance In Walden

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Walden: Self-Reliance Versus the Industrial Revolution
In the book Walden, Henry David Thoreau argues the importance of self-reliance during a time in which the Industrial Revolution is in full force by expressing the value of simplicity over complexity, minimalism over materialism, and independence over dependence. He proves his belief in these concepts by living in a cabin beside Walden Pond for two years, two months, and two days. During this time, Thoreau documents his experiences as he lives out his conviction of self-reliance.
Throughout Walden, Thoreau regularly expresses his advocacy for a simplistic life. He stresses the importance of keeping affairs and issues of small number so that life may be lived to the fullest and most enjoyable extent. His time spent in the cabin by Walden Pond illustrates a life lived simply, as he sacrifices modern luxuries to live in a modest cabin he built by hand. In the story, Thoreau states, “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs …show more content…
He claims that most people go into debt for items they cannot afford. He makes the statement, “I have no doubt that some of you who read this book are unable to pay for all the dinners which you have actually eaten, or for the coats and shoes which are fast wearing or already worn out, and have come to this page to spend borrowed or stolen time, robbing your creditors of an hour” (Thoreau 148). He further voices his disdain for those whose loyalties lie within the boundaries of a material world when he states, “It is very evident what mean and sneaking lives many of you live, for my sight has been whetted by experience; always on the limits, trying to get into business and trying to get out of debt…” (Thoreau 149). Thoreau continually conveys his belief in a minimalistic existence and points out the advantages of this concept during his experiences in the cabin by Walden

Essay 2

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