Henry David Thoreau And Transcendentalism

The Industrial revolution took place from 1760 to 1840 and was controversial in America because it pushed human kind away from nature but created more jobs. The 21st century is like this period of history, for society has become so invested in technology that nature and simple things become less appealing. People’s lives have changed; everywhere someone goes he/she may have some form of technology with them and transcendentalists would argue that this is not an advancement that has helped our society. Transcendentalism is a movement created by philosophers in the 1820’s that has many aspects, but one main idea is that nature is important and allows one to connect with their inner spirit. Henry David Thoreau took part in this movement, and in his book Walden, he shows that getting rid of material items and becoming closer to nature can allow one to live their most fulfilled life. When Spring comes to mind, it is common to think about sunny weather and fresh flowers, but Thoreau

Thoreau shows a strong love for nature, throughout many of the pieces he writes and his journal. The love he grows for nature, while at the pond is important because Thoreau can learn how to become a better scientist and philosopher just by connecting with nature. An essay written by Andrea Wulf leaves an important message about the work Thoreau has done. She states, “His entries, day after day, are testimony to the power of renewal and rebirth- and to the importance of harnessing the human sense of wonder to better understand and protect the Earth” (Wulf 120). This sense of wonder Thoreau obtained while out in the wilderness, allows him to answer scientific questions in a more detailed manner. He is given a chance to start fresh and become better at his profession in his time living by the pond. His life has become more fulfilled just by understanding the ecosystem and the way nature