Henry David Thoreau
1817 - 1862
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher best known for his work "Walden," which reflects on simple living in natural surroundings. A key figure in transcendentalism, he championed individualism and civil disobedience.

Biography

Henry David Thoreau, born on July 12, 1817, in Concord, Massachusetts, is celebrated as one of the most influential American authors of the 19th century. Known for his philosophical musings and reflections on nature, Thoreau's writings have inspired generations. He passed away on May 6, 1862, in the same town where he was born, leaving a lasting legacy through his profound insights into the human experience and the natural world.

Thoreau grew up in a modest household, the third of four children in a family of pencil manufacturers. His early life was marked by a strong educational foundation, attending Harvard College from 1833 to 1837. It was during these formative years that Thoreau developed a keen interest in literature, philosophy, and the natural sciences, which would later influence his writing. After graduating, he briefly worked as a teacher before turning to writing and transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that emphasized intuition, nature, and the individual's spiritual experience.

Thoreau's literary career is most notably defined by his iconic works "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience." "Walden," published in 1854, chronicles his experiment in simple living in a cabin near Walden Pond, reflecting his deep connection to nature and advocacy for self-sufficiency. "Civil Disobedience," written in response to government injustices, articulates his belief in the moral imperative to resist unjust laws. These works encapsulate his transcendentalist ideas and have inspired countless movements for social and environmental justice.

On a personal level, Thoreau was known for his reclusive nature and preference for solitude. He formed a close friendship with fellow transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson and engaged with various social reform movements, including abolitionism. Thoreau never married and lived a life dedicated to contemplation and writing, often exploring the themes of individuality, simplicity, and the interconnectedness of all living things. His philosophical insights and natural observations continue to resonate today, making him a pivotal figure in American literature and environmental thought.

F.A.Q.

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