Have you read Walden by Henry David Thoreau ?

I've had heard of Thoreau before. This week I read a book by a famous book author who wrote that Thoreau was a really big inspiration in his youth. Then when searching the Internet I learned that Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thoreau were friends, and that the Walden book is freely available via project Gutenberg.

www.gutenberg.org/

I like the Thoreau idea of critical thinking, being independent, and not blindy following traditions and habits (Like e.g. now "x-mas", Black Friday, the firework madness at New Years Eve and so on). Even though we sadly live in a world in crisis, every day is a special day :) Minutes, days and years are just human made up time tools to help us with our agendas. The sun and the moon and the stars know better than that.

Sounds like a good book actually, i haven't read it yet, but i feel i should. :).

I read it long ago and have decided to do so once again. Is it a classic? In the sense that Thoreau's writings have endured, yes. I found his writings at most, in my earlier study to be over self-indulgent and critical of his contemporaries; precisely what he eschewed. His experiment lasted but little more than two years. Were it of profound value, either practically or philosophically, perhaps he would have remained there content and satisfied. Rather, Thoreau chose to set it aside and return to the manner of living he previously found of little value. I found several principles of value, but a philosophical treasure, no.

@HerkyHawkeye well said, sir.
A brilliant work of enduring value. But hardly the final word on living within one's means. Or on how one might live at all. Rather, a milestone on the way to something better.

@verylate said in #4:
> @HerkyHawkeye well said, sir.
> A brilliant work of enduring value. But hardly the final word on living within one's means. Or on how one might live at all. Rather, a milestone on the way to something better.
I do agree with your statement. I should also say that it is well worth reading even again as i am presently do just that.

I dont read, couldn't even finish the paragraph you wrote lol.

well that's this generation i suppose.
Imagine if Thoreau had to keep his ideas within the confines of a tweet or an "X" or whatever they call it now.