The reviewer finds Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden' deeply relevant to contemporary concerns, particularly its critique of materialism and emphasis on living in harmony with nature. They appreciate Thoreau's insights into environmentalism and mental health, despite some of his outdated views and repetitive writing style.
The reviewer is struck by how 'Walden' resonates with current preoccupations, such as the rejection of materialism and the search for contentment in nature. Thoreau's experiences living in a cabin near Concord, Massachusetts, offer timeless insights into simplicity, self-sufficiency, and the natural world. The reviewer highlights Thoreau's anti-establishment ideals, his influence on civil disobedience, and his prescient views on environmentalism and mental health. They appreciate his detailed observations of ecosystems and the benefits of mindfulness in nature. However, they acknowledge that Thoreau's writing can be preachy, repetitive, and at times misogynistic. Despite these flaws, the reviewer believes 'Walden' speaks clearly to our time, offering valuable lessons on living deliberately and sustainably.
Quick quotes
I'm struck by how much it chimes with current preoccupations.
Thoreau records details of his diet and plant husbandry, claiming that only thirty or forty days' work in a year were needed to support himself.
But I'll forgive him all that, because it seems to me that Walden speaks as clearly to our time as it did to its own - possibly even more so.