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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Walden summary
Life in the Woods
20 mins
Brief summary
Walden by Henry David Thoreau is a memoir that reflects on the author's two years living in solitude in a cabin by a lake. It explores the themes of self-reliance, simplicity, and the beauty of nature, advocating for a life lived intentionally and stripped of unnecessary materialism.
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Walden
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Thoreau was concerned that modern life was offering little opportunity for gaining real wisdom and knowledge.
It was in the spring of 1845 that Henry David Thoreau made his way to the wooded shore of Walden Pond, a lake in Concord, Massachusetts. The worries of the world weighed heavily upon him; he found modern life to be profoundly disturbing. To Thoreau, the approaching new era bled wisdom and freedom from his society. People were crushed under the servitude of work and had little chance of enjoying what life had to offer.
As he famously put it, “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” They toiled and labored to make money to buy houses that were surplus to requirements and to fill them with useless knick-knacks.
Thoreau reacted forcefully. To him, such an existence was “a fool’s life.” It was a life devoid of meaning and wisdom, replaced with exertion and drudgery.
Part of the problem, as he saw it, was that people who worked so hard simply didn’t have the time or energy to read. More people seemed to know the intricacies of accounting and bookkeeping than classic literature.
He was convinced that those who stopped reading in childhood were intellectually stunted, since there is so much to be learned from literature, especially for people who can read a work in its original language.
A favorite work of Thoreau’s was Homer’s epic poem The Iliad, which became a source of comfort in his new environment. Reading, to Thoreau, could act as a guide and comfort. Perhaps you, too, can find volumes that breathe life and knowledge into your daily life or offer responses to the questions that loom over you.
Thoreau moved to Walden to show himself that there was more to modern life. And there is much for us to learn from his personal experience that we can still apply today.
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What is Walden about?
Walden (1854) is the result of the two years Henry David Thoreau spent in the woods on the north shore of Walden Pond, a lake in Massachusetts. It is both a practical and philosophical account of how he sustained himself through farming and by building his own house, and what he learned about human nature by living a simpler life. Although it was a deeply personal experience, Thoreau’s approach to society teaches us how we, too, can approach the modern world.
Walden Review
Walden (1854) is a captivating account of Henry David Thoreau's experience living in solitude by a serene pond. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Thoreau's profound observations on nature and simple living offer a fresh perspective on the importance of reconnecting with the natural world.
- With its thought-provoking reflections on societal norms and materialism, the book challenges readers to evaluate their own values and priorities.
- The vivid descriptions and intimate storytelling make the book an engaging exploration of self-discovery and the pursuit of a meaningful life.
Best quote from Walden
I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.
—Henry David Thoreau
Who should read Walden?
- Students of philosophy and literature
- Environmentalists and nature enthusiasts
- Readers who support a move back to simple living
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Walden FAQs
What is the main message of Walden?
The main message of Walden is to simplify your life and seek fulfillment in nature and self-reflection.
How long does it take to read Walden?
The reading time for Walden varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Walden a good book? Is it worth reading?
Walden is a worthwhile read for those looking for introspection and inspiration. It offers valuable insights into living a meaningful and deliberate life.
Who is the author of Walden?
The author of Walden is Henry David Thoreau.
What to read after Walden?
If you're wondering what to read next after Walden, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
- Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
- Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson
- The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius
- The Practicing Stoic by Ward Farnsworth
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
- The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
- The Lost Art of Silence by Sarah Anderson
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez