Thoreau, Walden

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A 4 page paper that consists of a 3 page essay and a 1 page outline. In Walden, Henry David Thoreau presents his basic philosophy of life and the lessons he garnered by living simply and “deliberately” in the woods next to Walden Pond. A principal lesson that Thoreau emphasizes repeatedly in this narrative is that materialism clouds the perception as to what is truly important. It keeps people preoccupied with trivialities rather than appreciating the beauty of reality. Thoreau puts this well by saying that in the mainstream course of life “Sham and delusions are esteemed for soundest truth,” which ignores the fact that “reality is fabulous” (Thoreau 398). This examination of Thoreau’s argument shows his reasoning to be persuasive and sound. No additional sources cited.