2. Write an author's biography on Ralph Waldo Emerson http://www.biography.com/people/ralph-waldo-emerson-9287153 and Henry David Thoreau (Exactly like the one you did on Harriet Beecher Stowe). http://www.biography.com/people/henry-david-thoreau-9506784?page=1 You may use these websites as a jumping off point for your biography. Please be thorough in your author profiles. Due 11/12 in class.
3. Read the following selections from Walden:
These selections due by November 12.
Economy
Where I Lived and What I Lived for
Solitude
Spring
Conclusion
Expect a comprehension quiz on these selections.
4. THE BLOG QUESTION IS DUE BY NOVEMBER 11 @ midnight. The blog question for this week isn't really a question. Please identify one example of Thoreau's use of aphorism, paradox, or proverbs in the selections you read this week. Obviously you must know what each of these terms mean-so look it up. In addition to quoting the phrase-please explain his meaning and if there are any cultural relevance for today. Listen to the following documentary for examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpS5yxy8O0w
Remember you are responsible for 2 blog posts. One in response to my question and the second in response to at least one classmate.
Extra Credit for this week: Read a legend with Davey Crocket- Paul Bunyan- John Henry and Johnny Appleseed. You can use this link to find legends or use another source- http://sherertalltales.wikispaces.com/John+Henry+-+Page+1
When you are finished reading the four legends-one legend for each of the four characters listed above-answer the following question via email. Every country has its narratives of exaggerated feats by superheroes. What qualities distinguish the American superhero in these four selections? How do the compare and/or contrast with Washington Irving's characters at the beginning of this literary period? As always- MLA format. Answer the question with specific examples.
FINALLY-
I will leave you with this quote “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
FINALLY-
I will leave you with this quote “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Or in modern day lingo-
"Be the person your dog thinks you are." Unknown.
“Public opinion is a weak tyrant compared with our own private opinion” (Economy 10).
ReplyDeleteUnlike public opinion, a person does not usually see his private opinion as his private opinion. For him or her, it is truth. Because humans are inherently self-seeking and prideful, we often elevate our opinions and beliefs above those of others. Public opinion may be that our current president has shown himself to be a poor president. However, I doubt that Mr. Obama believes any such thing. His opinions are his truth.
And even a person who appears to be ruled by public opinion, is ruled because of his own views. For instance, the reason he is elevating public opinion may stem from his private opinion that the public must know more than he, a mere individual.
Because of this, we must carefully examine what we believe. Our private opinion does not dictate what is true. Truth is truth no matter what we personally believe. And it may not be a pleasant discovery, when we finally realize that we have been seeing the world all wrong. Maybe, Mr. President, you should rethink your private opinion.
Interesting quote. This quote could apply to both low opinions and high opinions of ourselves. Romans 12:3
Delete"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."
“Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hinderances to the elevation of mankind.” (Economy 18)
ReplyDeleteOften times societies sacrifice value in exchange for success. Thoreau’s declaration supports this truth by stating that, luxeries and comfort are hinderences and prevent man from aspiring to reach his fullest potential. Contrary to popular belief, a society is severely damaged when luxery and innovation is valued above self preservation and morals. Unfortnately, this concept is slowly changing into a reality and is particularly evident in our ‘great’ nation of America. Modern technology is distorting our capacity to think for ourselves, and ‘elevate mankind’. Not only is innovation meaningless, it also causes significant damage that will be seen for generations to come.
I agree - it's like all of our success is outweighed by our increasing dependence upon things. However, do you think that all innovation is completely meaningless, or does it have its place?
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DeleteGood point. I think that innovation is beneficial and necessary in some cases. Unfortunately, it is a slipper slope and generally leads to moral corruption rather than moral improvement. (I accidently posted my comment using the wrong account, which explains the deleted comment above.)
Delete"And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not' (I Timothy 5:13). I have thought a lot about my washing machine this week... remember from our discussion in class... I think about how much time I have available because I don't have to wash clothes or dishes by hand. Every chore I have is shortened. Do I use the extra time for good or for wasteful pursuits? Lots of conviction going on in my head this week.
DeleteIn some cases luxuries are beneficial. However, as Henry David Thoreau says, luxuries can also be an “Improved means to an unimproved end.” Innovation and success can be a slippery slope, because they tend to affect our worldviews, perspectives and outlooks on life. Unfortunately, our society has progressively adopted the mindset of ease and convenience, in part due to technological advances. This behavioral deficiency often times, damages our society’s spiritual worldviews. While I don’t believe that technology by itself is necessarily evil, I do think it can create a slippery slope that can result in deteriorated values.
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DeleteThe use of luxuries and innovation, in the way you are talking about, is completely dependent on mental decisions and work ethic. All creations can be used for bad. look at medical drugs for example. these medical innovations have saved countless lives, but are now used the wrong way, causing deaths. innovation simple brings out what was already there in the first place. If someone is lazy, the dishwasher will give them the opportunity to be lazy longer. Nothing was caused, they just stayed consistent with their current character. Also, take wealth. Many children have come out of wealthy families, and become pour. Why? Because of the great wealth possessed? No! It is because their parents failed to raise them to be responsible and a good worker.
DeleteOOPS I just realized we did the same quotes. So sorry, hey I guess great minds think alike.
DeletePROVERB- (Where I Lived and What I Lived For)
ReplyDelete"There was a shepherd that did live,
And held his thoughts as high
As were the mounts whereon his flocks
Did hourly feed him by."
This was a fairly common anonymous proverb submitted in 1610 about a Sheppard boy who is so concentrated on his own thoughts that he fails to see his sheep going astray. This applies in today's world since now although we don't have any sheep to watch, we do focus on non-important things instead of truth.
PARADOX (Economy)
"The swifter traveler is he that goes afoot"
Here Thoreau states a seemingly contradictory phrase, however, this is true, since one on foot is liable to overcome obstacles more easily than one who get stuck in a roadblock.
APHORISM- (Economy)
"From thence our kind hard-hearted is, enduring pain and care,
Approving that our bodies of a stony nature are."
Here is a piece of advice Thoreau intends for the readers, talking about how much the average human can physically take.
I like the paradox quote that you gave. It seems like it is also true because the traveler on foot does not have to pay for his transportation, so he will always be ahead of another traveler. Many of Thoreau's examples prioritized economy and self-dependence above innovation.
DeleteOh..... I was only supposed to do one of those three.
DeleteThe third one is actually by Raleigh, but Thoreau connects it seamlessly with his point. Thoreau was certainly in touch with his "natural" side. His distaste for society really affects his writing.
Delete"It would surpass the powers of a well man nowadays to take up his bed and walk, and I should certainly advise a sick one to lay down his bed and run." (Economy E 1)
ReplyDeleteThis paradox shows how possessions, seen by many people as the rewards for a successful life, can hold a man back. While examining his perspective of furniture, Thoreau shows how a rich man can value his riches so highly that he ties himself down to them. In contrast, a poor man does not have to be held back by possessions. To avoid the pitfall of possessions, Thoreau himself only maintains the necessary furnishings that he made or that he obtained for free. This experiment complies with his overall philosophy of living simply and depending only on himself and nature.
Similarly, this paradox has implications for today's society and its philosophies of materialism and consumerism. Comparing a man and his possessions to the story of the lame man who took up his bed and walked, Thoreau implies that there is a certain freedom in laying down one's possessions. Where the rich man could not see past his riches to stand up and walk, the poor man, or the man who laid down his riches, could stand up and run freely. The reason that people today are so corrupt and unchristian is because they are so focused on the world and its possessions. If people simply recognized the relative insignificance of possessions, they would spend their time living for a higher Truth.
So true in today's world.
DeleteI found it cool that Thoreau made A LOT of Jesus references even though some anti-God-lovers dub him an athiest.
He also makes several references to the Hindu gods.
Delete"Our life is frittered away by detail." (Where I Lived and What I Lived For 135)
ReplyDeleteIt is a common perception of mankind that attention to detail and having more trivialities makes life better. Thoreau points out that the opposite is true in this paradox. He moved into the woods to get away from the lifestyle of superfluity and to live a life of generalization and remoteness. Life becomes so incredibly stressful when our focus is directed on worry and small complications. Like Thoreau explains in Walden; society is "just such an unwieldy establishment, cluttered with furniture and tripped by its own traps, ruined by luxury and heedless expense." This thought leads to a core ideal - that happiness can only be found in simplicity and clarity. It can not be obtained through a constant want and desire for more things and more details to keep track of. While this line was aphoristic and a generalization, it is also an instructive proverb that reminds us not to create problems that don't need to be there and not to add more unnecessary details into life unless you actually want a life of worry.
It's cool how the two quotes you gave reflect a common thread. Is it true that all detail we let ourselves get "frittered" away by, is in direct relation to our obsession with "heedless expense"?
DeleteAlso realize that Thoreau would not let people near him, was always late if he did anything useful, and went insane by following this. As someone who sees possibly one of the greatest occupation in creation of things that actually help the populous, unlike Thoreau, I believe that attention to detail, and actually living a life that is involved in helping the society is very important.
DeleteJacob- did you know Thoreau was a part of the Underground railroad?
DeleteI totally agree Haley, the tough part in this equation is figuring out what is unnecessary and what is not. Because a single thing such as a malfunctioning door in the example of Apollo 1 can trap and in the end be the death of people.
DeleteI don't think that it's an issue of -no, you can't pay attention to detail at all- it's an issue of...-is your life overrun by the paranoia of detail.-
DeleteAlso Jacob, realize that everyone is called to do different things. Some people feel the urge to be great in society while others, like Thoreau are called to live simple lives. Also, he did contribute by writing all of his books which (whether you like him or not) are great works of philosphy.
DeleteI liked this one a lot (from Economy): "And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him."
ReplyDeleteThis, I consider to be a proverb, and an interesting one at that. Even though Thoreau never directly addresses a Faith, this thought parallels one of the most famous verses in the Bible. "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils." The house that "has got" the farmer is in relation to this verse and shows a man (Thoreau) perfectly content with almost nothing, living solely by the work of his own hands. If only it were that simple for the rest of us... To be that easily contended in today's world.
Interesting analysis Sam. It is funny how even an unbeliever says/writes things that are biblical. THat at it's core many things Thoreau says reflect what is in the Bible.
DeleteThe more posessions you own, the more your posessions own you.
DeleteParadox: "...Did you ever think what those sleepers are that underlie the railroad? Each one is a man, an Irishman, or a Yankee man. The rails are laid on them, and they are covered with sand, and the cars run smoothly over them. They are sound sleepers, I assure you. And every few years a new lot is laid down and run over; so that, if some have the pleasure of riding on a rail, others have the misfortune to be ridden upon. And when they run over a man that is walking in his sleep, a supernumerary sleeper in the wrong position, and wake him up, they suddenly stop the cars, and make a hue and cry about it, as if this were an exception. I am glad to know that it takes a gang of men for every five miles to keep the sleepers down and level in their beds..."
ReplyDeleteThis quote from "Where I lived and What I lived for" is a perfect example of paradox and insanity. At first we begin to think that Thoreau is making a Parallel, or an analogy, however, it quickly becomes apparent that Thoreau truly believes that there are men actually laid beneath the track and sleep. The comment contradicts itself, and clearly shows what happens to a man who lives in the woods for 2 1/2 years alone.
In "Solitude" he does mention visitors, and the awareness of travelers in the distance. Would the knowledge of other people but resolve to avoid them play a part in influencing his writings also? (Aside from being an aid in his going slightly bananas.)
DeleteRemember the length of time that Thoreau was "at Walden". And he was hardly isolated- in fact- it was not much more than camping in your parents backyard and saying you lived alone. I think if we were to examine Thoreau's life in full and not just by the 2 year period we would see a man who was not a hermit but an introvert perhaps? He seemed to have a dislike for crowds and idle conversation but did crave company and conversation that was useful. Jacob- actually there is a place on the railroad between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh where over 50 Irish men are buried below the tracks. The construction of the railroad was nothing short of ghastly. I think Thoreau was speaking metaphorically about the horrors of the Industrial age.
DeleteIn Spring, Henry David Thoreau states that, “Thaw with her gentle persuasion is more powerful than Thor with his hammer. The one melts, the other breaks into pieces.” This statement, although referring to nature in the springtime, probably contains a double meaning. By referencing the strength of persuasion over force, Thoreau is saying that even within a society words and negotiation are more effective than raw force. This statement still hold weight in today’s culture. Instead of forcing others to agree with your opinion, discussing problems and attempting to gently persuade someone who disagrees with you is the best course of action. Ultimately, this truth can have an enormous impact on both our private lives and the overall functions of a culture. While this may not work in all situations, using gentle persuasion can be effective in politics, international relations, business deals, and countless other situations.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite quotes from Thoreau. I think you apply it beautifully to life Megan.
DeleteMegan, I love this quote! It is soft power versus hard power, which I learned about through team policy. Which do you think is more useful in most cases?
Delete"The millions are awake enough for physical labor; but only one in a million is awake enough for effective intellectual exertion, only one in a hundred millions to poetic or divine life. To be awake is to be alive." Where I Lived, And What I Lived For 84-85
ReplyDeleteThis aphoristic quote is very interesting. What Thoreau is saying is that in order to be productive and show our genius one must be awake in both literal and metaphorical terms. Awake not only physically but aware of our surrounding. Aware of the truth, aware of everything. He is saying that everyone is capable of being a genius but no one is awake enough to do so. This applies to today because we can't just accept things as they are. We must think through statements that are made by politicians, by teachers, by friends. We must open our eyes to what is done as opposed to what is said. We have to wake up from blind acceptance and begin to think for ourselves. Once we do so we can influence the world which is what he means by poetic or divine life.
This is really interesting, in the "Economy" section, Thoreau was saying that there are often so many people studying in school who could be classified as "intellectuals," but are virtually useless because of their inability to apply what they learn to life. But in this section he's saying there aren't enough intellectuals.
DeleteWalden is full of contradictions it seems. However- it appears that some contradictions are are a result of the experiment itself. A consequence-if you will- of not traveling is that there is an impact on the environment (as illustrated by the well-worn path to Walden pond). Therefore- change and moving on is necessary. Otherwise- Thoreau would have stayed at Walden Pond much longer than 2 plus years.
Delete"There are none happy in the world but beings who enjoy freely a vast horizon." Where I Lived, and What I Lived for.
ReplyDeleteThis aphorism is great, and can totally be applied to today. Just to give some context, Thoreau is explaining his view from his doorstep, his recently purchased land, "There was pasture enough for my imagination. The low shrub oak plateau to which the opposite shore arose stretched away toward the prairies of the West and the steppes of Tartary." He sat there, and was engulfed in the beauty of his land, and was completely content. I wish our society (including myself) was like this today, content with the natural beauty. With all this new technology rolling in, we're constantly distracted, and hardly ever just relax on our front porch, and savor the beauty of the land we've been blessed to live on.
This is a great analysis of that aphorism. It's interesting that people become so caught up in pursuing wealth, happiness, and success, that we forget to slow down and enjoy what we already have. We always seem to think that we need more, and never stop to appreciate the beauty around us.
Delete"I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude." (Thoreau, Solitude. pg 83.)
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read, Thoreau was definitely an introvert. However, it can be applicable to extroverts such as myself as well. I've found the value in being alone, spending time with solitude to learn more about yourself. Many times in life, we get so caught up in its business that we forget to slow down and have some "me time." Even as extroverts, we need to have solitude just as much as introverts.
It doesn't matter what you're personality type is, you need time for introspection, time to relax, time to be yourself.
I absolutely agree. I think it's interesting that he points out "even with the best". People are sure great but nothing can replace quiet self-contemplation.
DeleteAphorism: "One generation abandons the enterprises of another like stranded vessels"- Economy
ReplyDeleteThis is true in today's society. Our parents and grandparents had many ambitions that we have dropped cold because we don't see the need to pursue them such as flying cars or teaching our children morals.
Paradox: "We are made to exaggerate the importance of what work we do; and yet how much is not done by us!"- Economy
Americans pride themselves on hard work and building success with our own two hands but look at the amount of people living off of the government or the percentage of adults that never leave their parents basements.
Proverb: "The cart before the horse is neither beautiful nor useful" -Economy
We often get so excited about results in out day and age that we miss out of the purpose of it all. An example is the tv show American Idol. People get so interested in winning instant success that they miss out on the hard work and long term goal of music.
That first point is so true. What's scary is that what little morals our generation has left will most likely fade away by the time we're grandparents. Then where will we be?
DeleteI missed the part about "or". Do I get extra credit?
ReplyDelete# 30minuteswasted.
Awwww. No. But thanks for asking. #30minutesnotwastedlookatwhatyoulearned.
ReplyDelete“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” (Economy)
ReplyDeleteAmerican culture seems to be based on material things. Hollister, Coach, Rolex, Nike…these brand names represent the epitome of style and value. In fact, brand names have become so important to us that people have been murdered for their shoes or purse. An area of transcendentalism that I actually agree with is summed up in this proverb. We have to remember that men look at our outward appearance while God looks at the heart.
Simplicity, Simplicity, Simplicity. In respect to material possessions, I think that Thoreau had it more right than wrong. There are so many things in this world that I will never be able to afford. I will probably never be rich enough to buy a jet, so why should I long for one? I am rich in proportion to the number of things that I can afford to let alone. Wisdom in spending is important. Thoreau knew that! He was able to live off of the land for two years with very little expense.
"All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every instant." (Economy, pg.13) In this Proverb, Thoreau remarks on the miraculous nature of change; the fact that our world is in a constant state of change is amazing. People in our world are always asking for miracles, but we don't stop to realize that everything about nature is a miracle. Just the fact that the sun rises every morning is a miracle.
ReplyDeleteFor us as Christians, this gives us a reason to thank God. For Thoreau, nature changing WAS God. That is a central pillar of Transcendentalism, that change and the beauty of nature is all there is. That's why Thoreau spends so much time in chapters like Spring, because change is all there is to him.
For our culture, while change should not be our god, we should focus more on the change of our world, rather than rushing along with changes of our own.
In his book Walden, Thoreau uses a proverb to illustrate his desire of simple living and his want of others to live simply. Thoreau says, “If the civilized man’s pursuits are no worthier than the savage’s, if he is employed the greater part of his life in obtaining gross necessaries and comforts merely, why should he have a better dwelling than the former?” Thoreau is really asking a rhetorical question and he wants the reader to answer yes. Thoreau wants all men no matter how rich or poor to live equal and simple lives, he sees no point in conveniences and luxuries and he has a point. In today’s society out want of convenience and luxury has blinded us to the disastrous consequences it can have. We become less productive and lazier as technology rises and sometimes a life of simplicity though not the most desired life is the best way for a society.
ReplyDeleteDo you think this quotes is talking about equality and the civil rights of all men or that both white men and black men are pursuing the wrong thing so we should not be racist.
DeleteAphorism is defined as: a succinct statement expressing an opinion or a general truth. Thought his writings Thoreau make many a succinct statement expressing a fact or opinion. One such quote is this one from the economy section. It says "Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind." I found this quote fascinating because it show that in our human life we so often let stuff consume us and we get stuck in the pursuit of better nicer stuff. Thoreau just tells it the way it is stuff is holding us back.
ReplyDelete"We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by infinite expectation of the dawn..." (Where I Lived, and What I Lived For)
ReplyDeleteEach of the passages by Thoreau that we read this week are replete with wise aphorisms. They're everywhere. But the quote above is my favorite.
It's very wise because it reminds readers that it is SO easy to fall asleep to the world's destructive lullaby, which is why we must be constantly waiting for dawn.
This applies very well to modern culture, especially within Christian society. It's hard to stay awake and alert to hear God speaking. The world never ceases to tempt and entice people, sucking them into material worries. That's where this quote applies best. We, as Christians, need to realize that the world is tempting us, and constantly be putting up our guard and NOT falling asleep (a.k.a. falling into the world's temptations).
Being on the edge of our seats, in expectation of something great, puts us in a perfect position to be alert to the world's persuasion and to live our lives according to the purpose that we have been called to fulfill.