Walden and Civil Disobedience (Signet Classics)

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It's a hit!

Civil Disobedience should be required reading for anyone living in a democratic society.

Walden should be required reading for anyone living.

 

 

by John Y

No, it's a flop!

This book has more highlights, underlines and scribbles than any other I still own. There is incredible wit and thoughtfulness in both this book a... (show more)

This book has more highlights, underlines and scribbles than any other I still own. There is incredible wit and thoughtfulness in both this book and essay that I look forward to continuing my reflection and learning upon.

That being said, what is not underlined or highlighted I found to be incredibly and regrettably dull. In some respects his analysis of the depth of Walden, the squirrels eating his discarded corn cobs, or his luck with bean growing, was reminiscent of what one might write in a personal and private journal, and certainly not to be read by others for entertainment or even intellectual gain, because in many cases his knowledge was admittedly limited on each given subject. (show less)

 

 

by Mark Duggan

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  I had heard a lot about this book and the manner in which it was written for a long time. I decided to read it when I saw it on my girlfriend's bookshelf. It only took me two days to get through the book, but that is not to say I found it an easy read. I just went through it without worrying about the stuff I could not understand because of the antiquated language. Thoreau's ideas are fairly interesting to read but I disagree with much of what he says. I wonder what he would say to someo... (show more)

  I had heard a lot about this book and the manner in which it was written for a long time. I decided to read it when I saw it on my girlfriend's bookshelf. It only took me two days to get through the book, but that is not to say I found it an easy read. I just went through it without worrying about the stuff I could not understand because of the antiquated language. Thoreau's ideas are fairly interesting to read but I disagree with much of what he says. I wonder what he would say to someone who enjoys their work and thrives both spiritually and intellectually in their employment. His return to simplicity is well-articulated, though, and he makes some poignant observations. There was a humility in this book that I did not expect to encounter and I appreciated it. Civil Disobedience was a really nice short read. His concept of a small unobtrusive government is still alive today, but I think the greatest value of the book is its encouragement of citizens to agitate for change. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Nov 12, 2009 at 02:11AM

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  While at times Thoreau seems to be somewhat arrogant and elitist, he definitely has some good things to say to a society oversaturated by progress and the media. It is a tribute to nature that needs to not be ignored. Also, his conclusion to the book is fantastic, really giving second wind to his thesis that man should take the adventuring path, not just in traveling, but also in thought and philosophy. While never truly a hermit himself, he seems to want all men to be as original as they ... (show more)

  While at times Thoreau seems to be somewhat arrogant and elitist, he definitely has some good things to say to a society oversaturated by progress and the media. It is a tribute to nature that needs to not be ignored. Also, his conclusion to the book is fantastic, really giving second wind to his thesis that man should take the adventuring path, not just in traveling, but also in thought and philosophy. While never truly a hermit himself, he seems to want all men to be as original as they can and not fall into the paths of others. This fact along with the merit of the beautiful records of nature that he put down make the book a swell read. I wouldn't place it quite as high on the chain of philosophical works, but I would say anyone wanting to read a great account of what it means to make your own path in life and to appreciate nature more, and maybe just to dream a bit, should read this book. (show less)

   

   

  by Matt Gillum on Aug 13, 2009 at 05:33PM

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