rick2's review against another edition
4.0
“Rather than love, money, or fame, give me truth”
Much less “into the wild” then I expected and much more introspective and philosophical. Holds up surprisingly well despite its age.
Thoreau examines modern (circa 1850ish) society from first principles. Things like, what is the purpose of clothes? What are the many ways one can eat corn meal? Can’t say I agree with all of it. But it’s extremely refreshing to read something from someone who has thought deeply about issues and oddities of the world.
A drawback to reading this book I did not expect was a longing for a post apocalyptic world. I found myself imaging living on a mountainside up in Alaska. Which may yet happen apocalypse or not. Thoreaus description of a minimalist life is quite beautiful and wholesome. I hope that I might spend a few years of my life doing as he does, but I think too long and it would grow stale.
“The virtues of a superior man is like the wind, the virtues of a common man are like the grass. The grass, when the wind passes over it, bends.”
Much less “into the wild” then I expected and much more introspective and philosophical. Holds up surprisingly well despite its age.
Thoreau examines modern (circa 1850ish) society from first principles. Things like, what is the purpose of clothes? What are the many ways one can eat corn meal? Can’t say I agree with all of it. But it’s extremely refreshing to read something from someone who has thought deeply about issues and oddities of the world.
A drawback to reading this book I did not expect was a longing for a post apocalyptic world. I found myself imaging living on a mountainside up in Alaska. Which may yet happen apocalypse or not. Thoreaus description of a minimalist life is quite beautiful and wholesome. I hope that I might spend a few years of my life doing as he does, but I think too long and it would grow stale.
“The virtues of a superior man is like the wind, the virtues of a common man are like the grass. The grass, when the wind passes over it, bends.”
jjjjuliafreitas's review against another edition
4.0
Read the first two chapters for English Studies, Year 2
rltinha's review against another edition
4.0
Sem prejuízo de tudo de bom que se escreveu sobre Walden, a verdade é que esperava uma leitura menos... Morosa 🙄
(Calhou em jeito ter lido a Ilíada no início deste ano)
(Calhou em jeito ter lido a Ilíada no início deste ano)
borumi's review against another edition
4.0
I see why people said that Walden is good for reading in any season. In fact, I'm going to read the winter parts in winter and the spring parts in spring again and so forth. Although I get annoyed by his condescending attitude and though I sometimes see through the fallacy of his reasoning and the discrepancy between his ideals and actions, I still couldn't help feeling like I was meditating and reaching a state of being one with nature throughout this work. I especially love the parts about the animals and the lake. I couldn't help being moved by his love of Walden (it's very contagious and I wanted to go to the mountains or somewhere out of this crowded city!)
I also love his thoughts on letting go of the unnecessary material desires and the inculcated norms and beliefs as well. Of course it's impossible to reach the state of a saint, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for our ideals.
I also love his thoughts on letting go of the unnecessary material desires and the inculcated norms and beliefs as well. Of course it's impossible to reach the state of a saint, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for our ideals.
jesse_level's review against another edition
5.0
Thoughtful, thought provoking, sometimes tedious, always beautifully written. In spite of his idealism, Thoreau is refreshingly human, and even contradictory at times, e.g. waxing poetic about the benefits of solitude and yet going to the village almost every night. The contradictions don’t make the themes and theses any less effective, though; in fact, Thoreau’s contradictory nature actually makes his idealistic stances feel more attainable. More so than a treatise, however, this book is a personal recounting of one person’s experience, and that’s where it’s most effective. Thoreau’s descriptions of nature are lovingly rendered, his detailed accounts of his daily life fascinating and endearingly precise. You’re there with him in his tiny cabin, planted at the edge of Walden Pond; it’s hard to resist the desire—however unrealistic—to follow his example and forego civilization for a life in the woods, even if only for two years.
jjohnson26's review against another edition
Just not into it. Was supposed to read it for a book club, and I was just forcing myself to make any progress.