The Waldens Freedom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Waldens Freedom - Essay Example Thoreau believes that without the demands of modern life, people can be free to develop themselves as individuals. Buckner believes that the most important message of Walden is â€Å"to call people to freedom as individuals.† She stresses: â€Å"One looks at nature in order to learn about oneself; one simplifies one’s life in order to have time to develop the self fully; one must honor one’s uniqueness if one is to know full self-realization† (Buckner 4). Thoreau recommends to others that they should live simpler lives for them to be happier. A simpler life away from material needs exemplifies the idea of peace. Nature itself is filled with peace, which is the symbol of inner peace of mind. Thoreau cries out for a simplified life: â€Å"Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb-nail† (Thoreau 395). He a rgues that a simpler life has fewer goals and priorities. People living in the woods can definitely trim their accounts to the bare minimum essentials of life. In modern life, this can refer to living simply, such using cash instead of several credit cards, so that one’s lifestyle becomes equal to one’s income. Living simply also entails eating the natural way, such as through cooked â€Å"real† food and not processed food and avoiding eating out, because dining out can be expensive when done on a daily basis. These practices will lead to a simple life with no more financial troubles.