Reading Journal 1 - Walden

Thoreau begins his book telling the reader of his experiment. His experiment is to reconnect to nature by moving into the woods alone. Although he admits to not going far from town, he explains how people seem worried for him. He also confirms that this is not intended to be permanent. He later goes on to describe his cabin and why he picked that cabin. He claims that the less there is in the cabin the more open he is to nature. He also comes to realize the faults in society. He says we need to turn to nature and instinct to answer our questions and to stop the businesses from taking over. He finishes this part of the book with a reassuring discussion about animal sounds and how they comfort him. Although there are some truths to his assertions, Thoreau's idea of nature purifying humanity is incorrect. Although our society destroys nature to create cities, they don't stop us from realizing our full potential. Plenty of people have come to realize the truths of society through living in cities. There is no need for there to be a sudden rush to the woods because we can already accomplish everything we need to in cities. No one is directly benefitted by their own movement to the woods.