If you’re interested in reading Walden by Henry David Thoreau, feel free to review my book notes before you get started. I’ve collected 19 of the best direct quotes from the book including: P.7 – “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.” P. 286 – “IContinue reading Annotated Notes on Walden
I’ve been reading Walden again, and Thoreau reminded me of the value in doing nothing. Thoreau would paddle his boat to the middle of Walden Pond, pull the oars in, and then lie on his back across the seats until the boat eventually drifted to shore. This would take hours, and in that time, whatContinue reading The Value of Doing Nothing
In Walden, Henry David Thoreau built a cabin in the woods that he might live deliberately. He wanted to get rid of the unnecessary claims on his attention so that he could focus on the act of being human (80). It struck me yesterday that we’re all looking for our personal Waldens. There’s a forceContinue reading I Will Live Deliberately
Last night, I spoke with a friend who feels like a failure. He left a high-paying career for a blue-collar job and wonders if he’s sold himself short. He’s happy, but worried that he gave up the “better life.” It made me think of Henry David Thoreau shoveling manure. The nineteenth-century philosopher left his lifeContinue reading I Love Shoveling Manure
There are two kinds of people in this world, those who love Monday mornings and everyone else. We have complicated relationships with our work, which makes sense, given that we spend more time with our colleagues than we do with our spouses, partners, and children. A relationship that demanding is bound to have some baggage.Continue reading It’s Not Enough to Be Industrious