When I was in college, I spent most of my spare time in the Youxuan Library at FJ Normal University. The seventh floor is a whole floor of foreign books, which is a paradise for me who loves to read. Of course, the books I read are just a drop in the ocean. At that time, according to my English level, I selected some English classics, among which “Walden” was the book that I felt should read the most in my life and could read again and again.
I was struck by Thoreau’s otherworldly worldview. Thoreau lived in a log cabin on the shores of Walden Lake for more than a year, was frustrated, did not use industrial products, and was self-sufficient. He has no neighbors, only birds, beasts, fish, and insects. Exclusive between heaven and earth, not interested in the prosperity of the world, secluded by the lake, lonely, experiencing the four seasons of nature, wind, frost, rain and snow. It is also far away from interpersonal strife. What a self-contained and carefree outlook on life!
On the other hand, my time is bound and dominated by mundane trivialities. Work day and night, everyone is proud of their dedicated work. Living in a small space in the city, struggling to repay the loan for this small space. Where there are people, there is comparison, and the pursuit of material is endless. The idea of making money for consumption has dominated the trend, and various shopping festivals have come and gone, and people’s fanatical consumerism has become a topic of endless fun. As a result, work fatigue, life fatigue, no spiritual pursuit, and peace of mind. The heart is like a flood rushing forward, not the tranquil waters of Walden.
The reason why “Walden” has become a classic is that the author’s thoughts are timeless and forward-looking, which are also worthy of modern reflection. It contains a profound idea that man and nature live in harmony and that man himself is a part of nature. Too much modification of nature can destroy the planet and destroy beautiful homes. Socializing too much can consume a lot of useless energy, and become exhausting and meaningless. Do we really need that much substance? Thoreau advocated spiritual experience, paid more attention to spiritual enrichment, observed more nature, understood nature, and advocated the spirit of independence and freedom. Should we also pay more attention to the true desires of our hearts and not be confused by the noise of the outside world?
This moment, I will also pay more attention to nature, see the clouds, the mountains, the water, the birds, pay attention to the ecology, cherish the environment, devote myself to research, reduce unnecessary burdens, and make the life of a short-lived person meaningful.
📖“Walden Lake” vintage illustrated cover.
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Editor/Picture: Daoyu