Henry David Thoreau was an American writer, poet, thinker, abolitionist, naturalist, tax protester, development critic, surveyor, and historian. Two of his most notable works are: "Resistance to Civil Government" (known as "Civil Disobedience") and "The Mask of Anarchy." His guiding principle can be summarized by the phrase: "Government should not wield more power than that given by its citizens."
Thoreau was even jailed for his refusal to pay taxes in opposition to the Mexican-American War and slavery.
A firm idealist, he stood against governmental oppression and tyranny. It is my belief that society would benefit from having more individuals of his caliber, as we need free thinkers to shield ordinary citizens from oppressive regimes.
Now, let’s concentrate on his views regarding nature. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and spent a significant amount of time in solitude within a cabin in the woods to connect with nature on a more profound level.
I regard walking as a superb form of exercise, but we must clarify the specific types of walking we can engage in. There is walking indoors on machines, walking along roads, in parks, or on the beach. Personally, I believe the ideal walking occurs in a peaceful forest, away from urban noise, where one can focus solely on the sound of their own breath and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Thoreau expressed this sentiment when he said: "I wish to speak a word (with) Nature, for absolute freedom and wildness". While walking serves as good exercise, walking for a few hours to truly immerse oneself in nature is the ultimate experience. Thoreau articulated this beautifully: I desire to be "a part and parcel of Nature, rather than a member of society."
