Henry David Thoreau Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Henry David Thoreau?
Henry David Thoreau was an American writer, philosopher, and naturalist who is best known for his works Walden and Civil Disobedience. Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts in 1817 to a Unitarian family. He studied at Harvard College from 1833 1837 and later earned a living as a surveyor before becoming an author. Thoreau’s work was heavily influenced by Transcendentalism which emphasizes the importance of nature and self-reflection. In his most famous work Walden (1854), he wrote about his experience living in solitude near the shore of Walden Pond outside of Concord for two years focusing on simple living with only basic amenities. This period allowed him time to reflect deeply on life leading to new realizations that were expressed in other writings like A Week on the Concord & Merrimack Rivers (1849). In addition to being an environmentalist, Thoreau was also passionate about civil liberties and anti-slavery activism. His essay Civil Disobedience (1849) outlines his belief that citizens should not obey unjust laws but instead peacefully oppose them using nonviolent protest methods such as boycotts or marches; this essay has been cited countless times throughout history by activists ranging from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr., demonstrating its lasting influence and impact. Henry David Thoreau remains one of America’s most important authors today whose works continue inspire readers around the world with their thoughtful reflections on life, nature, government, human rights and much more.