Thoreau's View On Practice

Being a philosopher and an abolitionist in the 19th century, Thoreau wrote two essays - Walden and Civil Disobedience. Walden keeps the record of his two-year's reclusive life near Walden Pond. Civil Disobedience defends for the citizens who resists to the unjust government. Thoreau was an active abolitionist in his entire life. He made speeches here and there to advocate abolishing slavery. Besides, he also fiercely condemned Fugitive Slave Law. His insights on civil disobedience had a deep effect on Tolstoy, Gandhi as well as Martin Luther King. Above all, Thoreau has handed down not only his legacy of extraordinary thoughts; also his spirit of practice has motivated generations to come.My thesis aims to discuss Thoreau from the perspective of practice. The first part mainly refers to Thoreau's practice towards life itself. As a passionate life-lover, Thoreau was intended to pursuing carefree spiritual life. In addition, he constantly improved himself according to his own will instead of drifting with the tide. Or life can be nothing but existence. What's more, it was simple life that Thoreau actively advocated as he had quite a low demand over materials. In addition to promoting citizens' virtue, Thoreau encouraged people to read more books, classical books in particular. The second part turns to Thoreau's practice on the harmony between human beings and nature. In Walden, Thoreau applied a considerable amount of descriptions on the forests, lakes and varieties of plants and animals, which was to say, he could be called a loyal observant and recorder of nature. In his spare time, Thoreau observed autumn, and blended himself into all things on earth; he traveled to Maine Forest on foot, feeling the unique spirituality and charm. The last part focuses on Thoreau's practice over politics. In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau contended that one should be a conscientious citizen. Exactly, Thoreau was typical of such a man, who opposed to war and explained his position through refusing to turn in the poll tax. Furthermore, Thoreau rejected to slavery, defended for John Brown and even helped the slaves escape.