Henry David Thoreau Transcendentalism

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Henry David Thoreau is one of the most famous transcendentalist in history, alongside Ralph Waldo Emmerson. His book Walden has been an inspiration to people for generations. Its story about his cabin he built in a forest both highlights key aspects of and recommends a transcendentalist lifestyle. The tale of his cabin depicts a clearing inside a forest with a small pond and a cabin resting on the banks of the pond. As the sun rises he watches mist wisp around and describes them as “like ghosts”. He marvels at how complex and beautiful something so seemingly simple is. This is a key aspect of transcendentalism, as it is pointing out natural beauty. His reasoning for coming to the woods is then discussed. He says “I went to the woods because
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