It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
This is a quote that seems to reflect existentialist thought on subjective vs. objective reality. The birth of this philosophical thought is usually credited to Emmanuel Kant who died at the end of the 18th century. Other philosophers built on Kant's philosophy until today. Because Thoreau was born at the beginning of the 19th century, logically he was probably influenced by existentialism.
Thoreau was a true transcendentalist, always looking to nature for answers to this world. He was also a conservationist, as well as philosopher and author. One of his most famous books, "Civil Disobedience", is a diatribe against slavery and the US war with Mexico.
Thoreau was a true transcendentalist, always looking to nature for answers to this world. He was also a conservationist, as well as philosopher and author. One of his most famous books, "Civil Disobedience", is a diatribe against slavery and the US war with Mexico.
Contrary to many beliefs, Thoreau was not a hermit when he spent over 2 years living at Walden Pond. He was interactive in the community, had friends, and enjoyed conversation. At Walden he wrote several books and always kept a journal--a 20 volume set of books that gives the reader great insight into the character and motivations of the man.
