Author to Read: Henry David Thoreau

Do you love reading? Writing? Nature? Beauty? Philosophy? Social justice? Learning about yourself?

2017 marks the 200th birthday of American writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. Henry David Thoreau was a transcendentalist writer who lived in Concord, Massachusetts. Much of his writing focuses on nature and how understanding nature can help us to understand and empower ourselves.

His most famous book, Walden, is a testament to his ideas about philosophy, nature, and individualism. His long essay “Civil Disobedience” details the night he spent in jail because he refused to pay taxes that would keep slavery in America alive. This essay has inspired many peaceful protesters across the ages, including Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., student protesters of the Vietnam War, and even protesters today.

I was first introduced to Thoreau’s work in a class, and reading his work has been life-changing. He is truly an empowering writer, who stood for what he believed in and encourages everyone to. His style of writing is beautiful and elegant, bringing you into the world of nature, truth, and self-discovery.

In honor of this inspirational writer, people in towns all across Massachusetts are choosing to read one of Henry David Thoreau’s books or essays. All of his work is available for free online at the Walden Woods Project’s website: https://www.walden.org/thoreau/the-writings-of-henry-david-thoreau-the-digital-collection/.

The Walden Woods Project exists to “preserve the land, literature and legacy of Henry David Thoreau to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The Project achieves this mission through the integration of conservation, education, research and advocacy.” Their goal this year is to get people in every town in Massachusetts to read something by Thoreau.

If you end up loving Thoreau, or just want to know more about him, there are towns signing up to host group reading events and other activities centered around Thoreau. Maybe your town is already signed up! Visit this website to check it out: https://www.walden.org/bicentennial/read/.

If you’ve never read anything by Thoreau, you’re in for a wonderful new experience. I highly encourage teenagers and adults alike to read something from a writer who has been so inspirational for people all around the world. Reading is a way for us to connect to people across time and place. I hope you give Thoreau’s writing a try. Happy reading!

Kale B. Connerty
Boston Tutoring Services