Theme Of Happiness In Thoreaus Walden - 744 Words

In Thoreau’s book Walden, the author lets us know how he views happiness. And what obstacles he believes we must get through to achieve this happiness. He explains what his views are on happiness throughout some of his readings. Readings such as Where I Lived and What For, Reading, Solitude, and Conclusions. Throughout various text, Thoreau will prove to the readers what happiness looks like to him. Many things can be considered an obstacle to man’s happiness. The lack of money, loneliness, and illness to name a few. According to Thoreau, man’s greatest obstacles to happiness are the lack of experience, of knowledge, and culture. He urges men to read more, to fill himself with a rich sense of culture in order to gain a better†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"...soon enough to forget them when we have the learning and the genius which will enable us to attend to and appreciate them† (Thoreau, â€Å"Reading,† Par. 6). When focusing on something, we sometimes have the tendency to forget what happiness truly means to us. Some people focus too much on one certain thing and expect to have the true happiness we have been searching for. Thoreau’s proven point was to help the reader understand that taking new challenges is okay and it can helps us become happier and wiser. Happiness comes in all sorts of different ways and with the knowledge that we get whether it comes from books or nature, Thoreau knew that challenging oneself would help one reach the happiness they are searching for. Thoreau argues that happiness comes from you, not from the people around you or the things you have. Thoreau believes that people are spending too much time with each other, make them respect each other less and feel unhappy. He also thinks that when the more people are around you, you are lonely (Thoreau, par. 10). Thoreau is trying to prove that being alone with nature is the true happiness. I disagree with Thoreau; he made good points that you needed a break from people and from the things that distracted you. I believe that to find the happiness you need to have bond and connection with other people. It will help you forget about your problems. When people tend toShow MoreRelated Comparing Metaphors in Norman Macleans, A River Runs Through It and Henry David Thoreaus, Walden1463 Words   |  6 PagesThrough It and Henry David Thoreaus, Walden In Norman Macleans A River Runs Through It, the author recounts the story of his early life growing up in Montana. The narrative revolves around his family and the art of fly fishing. Through the novel, Maclean begins to understand the wisdom of his father, the fierce independence and downfall of his brother, and the divinity and beauty of nature. A similar theme regarding divinity in nature is found in Henry David Thoreaus Walden. 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