This week we read an excerpt from Thoreau's essay "Walden" where he began an experiment
in what he thought of as "essential living"-
living simply, studying the natural world, and
seeking truth within him. On land owned by
Emerson near Concord, Massachusetts,
Thoreau built a small cabin by Walden Pond
and lived there for more than two years, writing
and studying nature. Walden was the record of
his experiences.
For this week's discussion, I would like for you
to read this short article above & compare the
2 texts in your response. In "Thoreau Still
Beckons, if I Can Take My Laptop," (above)
Cynthia G. La Ferle argues that “making
choices is so much more difficult in a culture
fueled by sheer busyness and commercialism.
There are few places ... where one can
escape." Do you agree that it would be more
challenging for a contemporary American to
live as Thoreau did? Explain why or why not,
using details from both texts to support your
opinion (Walden from our CommonLit reading
& the article above by Cynthia G. La Gerle). (25
points for your response).