Emerson V Thoreau
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau: Lecture Essay March 13, 1846 -A
lecture by Henry David Thoreau… Henry D. Thoreau gave an intellectually
stimulating lecture. His political and environmental stances enchanted the
audience. His ideas are indicative of self-reliance, simplicity and
appreciation. His delivery invited each listener to actively enjoy what he said.
Thoreau presented his lecture so that the audience had no choice but to ponder
and think about what he said. He was passionate in what he said, as his values
and views leaked into the audience like a stream branching out from a river. The
following is what I took away from his speech. Thoreau began his speech by
addressing his purpose of living “alone”-a word of discussion in his lecture-
and in the woods of Concord. I quoted a passage that he derived from his own
book, under the assumption that it was something of significance, either to the
audience or himself. In either case, his statement would reveal a part of
Thoreau that was of importance to him. “I never found the companion that was so
companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go
abroad among men than when we stay in our chambers. A man thinking or working is
always alone let him be where he will. ” (p. 123) Thoreau paused after he read.
My initial response to this statement was to think about it. So solitude is
physically a friend to you? He answered my question before I could question him.
In the absence of people, he had befriended the “seasons”. He continued to speak
of his Natural friends, like the “birds who sang for him”, and the “rain, which
entertained him”. Thoreau’s idea of solitude was that solitude is simply a
different state of mind. Instead of the events and actions of other people, he
discerned that one’s own actions, thoughts and imagination were of equal value.
As he spoke, I began to appreciate what he said. His digression from society
wasn’t the result of dislike for it, but a personal value of living through his
own eyes, rather than other’s eyes. He did not need material things to measure
life. Thoreau’s next venture featured a fisherman. A quiet man who fished by
himself at Walden Pond. Thoreau told a story of this man who came to the pond
near everyday in the spring and summer. He fished from the shore, never on a
boat. Something separated this man from the rest of those who came to fish.
After he caught the fish, no matter the size, he would pack up his gear and
leave. Where was this story leading? Thoreau admired the man who satisfied
himself so easily, although he never spoke to the man. I wondered if it was a
true story. Why would a guy want only one fish? Why so easily satisfied? My mind
raced as he spoke, trying to devour and process the words that he said.
Suddenly, without contemplation, I asked Thoreau a question. “Mr. Thoreau,” I
said. “This man you speak of is different from many in his ways. He travels such
a distance for such a tiny reward. Why does he settle for less when he could
have more without much marginal effort?” Thoreau smiled for the first time
during his speech, like he was entertained by my inquiry. “My answer can be no
better than yours.” That was all Thoreau said. At least he wasn’t egotistical.
His answer seemed to raise me to his level. My answer was just as good as any
other answer in the room. Maybe the guy didn’t even like fish; he just wanted to
be outside. Or maybe his son drowned there in the pond, and he needed to have a
part of him everyday, no matter how big or small of a part it may be. Thoreau
continued to talk of the fisherman. Although quiet, the man was not silent. He
smiled when others greeted him, and offered his hand when other fishermen sought
to launch their boats.
