Thoreau's Walden: A Critique on Modern Resource Consumption

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Henry David Thoreau 's “Walden” details and illustrates Thoreau’s time living away from cities and instead live in a secluded location at Walden Pond. Life seemed simpler, where technology was not as advanced as it is currently. Currently, everybody in the country uses the four resources mentioned in “Walden”, them being Food, Fuel, Shelter, Clothing, but some of these resources have become nothing but symbols of wealth whereas one hundred years ago, these resources were seen in that way. Food can reach unimaginable prices at restaurants and the meal might not even be large. The Fuel used by automobiles has polluted and affected the population of the country with its emissions and the environment has been impacted by the leaks of nuclear energy. …show more content…

The meal may not also be proportionate to the price that is charged. In addition, grown produce such as corn, potatoes and, strawberries are genetically modified and given the name of genetically modified organisms or GMOs. Animals like cows, pigs and chickens are raised in incredibly large farms that resemble factories and are kept in poor living conditions. It is also known that cows were being given supplements of growth hormones “to improve the production of dairy and beef cattle.” One hundred years ago, fruit and produce were never altered genetically or chemically and was also available on the streets from a stand. Also, organic fruit and produce is more expensive to buy when compared to GMOs. Farmers could also be their own independent business and not only sell from stands but to markets and grocery …show more content…

Housing can reach incredibly large proportions and have various on-site features such as large pools or perhaps the house has more than two floors. Obviously, only the wealthy class can afford a property with features such as this. Some may view it as unnecessary and excessive to own such a property. Thoreau described his home in “Walden” not having plastering or a chimney. He only used the home to protect himself from the rain and winters. Also there are different types of communities to move into. Housing a century ago was different in that there were only two types of areas to live in. Someone lived in the large and busy cities or in small, quaint homes in the countryside. Also housing was much smaller and it was less expensive for someone to make their own

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