In the early nineteenth century, a philosophical movement known as Transcendentalism approached America and evolved into a literary expression for writers all over the world. The supporters of this effort believed that knowledge through intuition and observation of the internal spirit could be reached. Though their hold on the public imagination was short-lived, the long-lasting influence that the Transcendentalists had on American literature was irrefutable. A prominent contributor to this act was Henry Thoreau. His numerous literature pieces, each one being unique from the next, became a significant part of our American culture. Even though Thoreau perished over 150 years ago, the questions he raised about the meaning of nature, the need for wildlife as a stimulant for the spirit, and an individual's rights and responsibilities, are still fundamental issues in American life. Among many things, he is widely known for his transcendentalist philosophical writings, which reflected upon the simplicity, beauty and spirituality of nature itself.
In an excerpt from his novel "Walden," "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For," the narrator reiterates the indication of him being free unrestrained by answering a few intimate questions. As individuals, we live the seemingly endless circle of life, and with all the nuisances we undergo throughout our lives, we forget to stop and enjoy the time we have. Thoreau was able to see the modern world, with all its imperfections, and contemplated the essay as a form of warning to us, to prevent us from our transformation into electronically attached human beings in the near future.
When we first see Thoreau, he clarifies his belief that we need to simplify our lives; we are "frittered away by detail" and material things. He was the type of person to not burden himself with what others thought, but instead he was concerned mainly about himself.
