Henry David Thoreau's Sociological Experimentation in Isolation

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In Henry David Thoreau’s writings, he explores a different, more thoughtful way of life. Thoreau was a student of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson gave Thoreau the property on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts; where Thoreau spent about two years living away from the society. Thoreau’s social experimentation required him to separate himself from the society, to be an individual, and to learn from his experiences.

Henry David Thoreau was given a piece of property on Walden Pond by Emerson. Even though it was against Emerson’s beliefs; Thoreau separated himself from society by moving to the property on Walden Pond. This action was an experiment of self reliance; not an escape from society. Thoreau was arrested for not paying his taxes. Since he did not contribute to the community, he believes that he did not owe anything to them. Thoreau did everything on his own; plans his own crops, makes his own food, and builds his own house. He is self sufficient. He did not work or purchase any items therefore he believed he should not be taxed. Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience”, explores what a ...

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