Walden

The emotions while I read this book were bouncing around the room.

One chapter has me yelling in agreement with Thoreau on his pro-animal stances toward hunting and dieting. The next on minimalism - inspiring me to gather more things I no longer need to donate. The next makes me put the book down to be high on nature. The next makes me rethink civil obedience and give up all I’m doing to commit to being my truest self with no external influences.

No review I am able to give can properly outline how impactful this book has been on the way I see the world. The philosophies are still ever true today, and Thoreau’s definition of “dull man” still appears to be the overwhelming majority of society today - all busy slaving away for the objects and powers that only serve to trap and control them.

Excellent read, all should read.

Warning: Definitely on the more difficult side. Though not unattainable.

I heard this was a classic of philosophy so thought I'd give it a try. I didn't manage to get through it as it read like a self-righteous treatise on why the choices of the author make him so much better than everyone else. Very disappointing.

I don't like adding books I haven't finished to Goodreads. But I didn't finish this one, 'cause I hated it. I read it for school. I think that Thoreau was an annoying wanker. Maybe I should try to re-read it, since I was 17 at the time. Maybe my reaction would be different now.