Summarize Thoreau’s argument on the relationship between travel, technology, and economy. Cite evidence from the text.

During his experiment in Walden Pond, Thoreau reflected on the connection between travel, technology and economy. Thoreau believes that the best way to live life is to have a simple life with few worries. He argues that, in order for people to acquire luxury, they need to work an excessive amount of time. In order to free ourselves, we need to live a "simple" life.

The idea of a "simple" life requires us to give up some aspects of our lives that are not necessary. For example, modern travel. Thoreau argues that railroad travel is a modern invention that is not necessary, and that it has taken us farther away from a more desirable simple life. He also argues that this is the case with technology. While some technology might indeed make our lives easier, for the most part this simply takes us away from a more satisfying, simple life. He says that "our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things."