Thoreau’s “Walking” Summary

                Written around the 1850s and published in 1862, Henry David Thoreau’s “Walking” is a strong written piece that focuses on the importance of nature to mankind. He wants to regard man as a member of nature rather than a part of society. He believes that walking through nature, the fields and mountains, helps him revive himself and keep him healthy. It the time he spends when he is not involved in the regular “worldly engagements”. He emphasizes that walking for exercise is not the point, but to reflect on one’s self while walking is the important part. A man’s everyday life in a society has disoriented the order of nature and is moving him farther away from where he should be.  According to Thoreau, all good things are ones that belong directly to nature. Proceeding further, he mentions that society thinks of itself as a place to spread knowledge, regarding knowledge as powerful. But Thoreau feels that man’s ignorance maybe much more important and “beautiful”. He concludes by saying that nature is beautiful and important in our lives and we should head on path that narrows the gap between man and nature.

                After reading this particular written piece, I felt that ideas expressed were a little too extreme to be of any use to mankind. The fact that this piece was written in the 1850s makes it hard for me to relate to the situation then. But looking at the situation now, it is definitely an idea that is hard to consider. Being hard to relate to his situation makes it hard for me to reflect on his ideas.