Henry David Thoreau – Walden
In the middle of "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For," Thoreau explains that he went to the woods to "live deliberately" and "to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life" (p. 967). What does Thoreau mean by this? How might a person "live what was not life"?
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Thoreau's statement about wanting to "live deliberately" and "suck out all the marrow of life" signifies his desire to live with intention and purpose, fully immersing himself in his experiences. By going to the woods, he aims to disconnect from the distractions and superficialities of society, allowing himself to truly engage with his surroundings and find meaning in the present moment.
In contrast, "living what was not life" refers to Thoreau's observation that many people tend to live in a state of detachment or distraction, focusing on superficial and unimportant aspects of life. He believed that many individuals go through their lives without truly experiencing or appreciating existence. In this sense, a person might "live what was not life" by merely going through the motions, being preoccupied with materialistic pursuits, or having a passive and disengaged attitude towards their experiences.
Thoreau's goal was to break free from this hollow existence and discover a more authentic and meaningful way of living. He believed in the importance of being fully present, immersing oneself in nature, connecting with one's inner self, and seeking a deeper understanding of life. By doing so, Thoreau suggests that one can find true fulfillment and thoroughly experience all aspects of existence.
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