Comparing Emerson And Henry David Thoreau

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Although both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau believe the simplicity of nature should be mirrored in modern humanity, nevertheless they focus on different factors of a simple life. Because they put emphasis on nature, they reveal different aspects of human experiences.

Emerson and Thoreau discuss different ways nature can reveal how to live a simple life. Within his writings, Thoreau explains how he views society. He specifically writes, “Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in. I drink at it; but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is.” (Walden Packet, 407) Thoreau suggests that if people live in the moment and not worry about the future or how short life is, they will able to truly enjoy life . He
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