Thoreau’s Simple Life in 1845: Above Image.
“And pray what more can a reasonable man desire, in peaceful times, in ordinary noons, than a sufficient number of ears of green-sweet corn boiled, with the addition of salt.” – Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau reminisces about his solitary life for two years at Walden Pond in Massachusetts in his memoir “Walden.” He lived in a cabin he built himself, relying on the surrounding land and nature for sustenance.
While many of us today may not opt to live off the grid in such a manner…
Why is it challenging to lead a simple life in today’s suburban or urban environments?
Let’s recall Thoreau’s words. He continued:
“I know a good woman who thinks she lost her life because her son began to drink only water.”
Let’s ponder on these words. Firstly, we are captivated by the luxuries of the world. Consumerism dominates Western society, becoming synonymous with it. We fall into the trap of needing more. Cutting-edge technology, larger homes, the latest fashion trends, upgraded cars.
There’s no denying the times when such things are necessary. However, caution is required when these luxuries turn into false necessities. Ultimately, we inflate our false egos and deceitfully chase false necessities in this fantastical world of our own creation to maintain a false status.
Secondly, it’s the mother judging her son for deciding to drink only water. This mother represents society judging us for being different. If you don’t conform, you’re a bad consumer.
It’s an intriguing perspective on capitalist society. Everyone wants you to fit in, otherwise, you’re a bad consumer.
If someone chooses to live off the grid, become a monk, fast on water, or run barefoot, the “motherly society” frowns upon it, labeling them as outsiders or eccentrics.
These two elements make leading a simple life difficult. Hence, be wary of the herd or detractors trying to confine you within a conformist group. Follow your heart and embark on your journey.
One lesson the coronavirus has taught us is the art of “living with less.” Life can be beautiful even without the closed luxuries of the Western world during shutdowns. These luxuries take various forms for different people.
It might be the luxurious dinners at fancy restaurants, excessive sports-watching, or meaningless traffic jams for unnecessary meetings that aren’t as crucial as we think.
Of course, there’s a time and place for these (I love watching sports and dining with friends). Everything in life requires balance.
Let’s sprinkle a bit more of a “simple seasoning” into the stew pot called life. Perhaps, I can live my version of “Walden Pond.”
