Henry David Thoreaus Sociological Experimentation in...

In Henry David Thoreau’s writings, he explores a different, more thoughtful way of life. Thoreau was a student of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson gave Thoreau the property on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts; where Thoreau spent about two years living away from the society. Thoreau’s social experimentation required him to separate himself from the society, to be an individual, and to learn from his experiences. Henry David Thoreau was given a piece of property on Walden Pond by Emerson. Even though it was against Emerson’s beliefs; Thoreau separated himself from society by moving to the property on Walden Pond. This action was an experiment of self reliance; not an escape from society. Thoreau was arrested for not paying his taxes.†¦show more content†¦Thoreau reflects on his beliefs on how the government was immoral towards him and his separation from society; â€Å"I simply wish to refuse allegiance to the State, to withdraw and stand aloof from it effectually.† (â€Å"Civil Disobedience†, 101) Thoreau’s separation from society also results him being an individual. He learns to live and succeed by himself, without the influences from others. â€Å"A common and natural result of an undue respect for the law is, that you may see a file of soldiers.....marching in admirable order over hill and dale to the wars, against their wills, ay, against their common sense and consciences...† (â€Å"Civil Disobedience†,94) As an example, he feels as if soldiers have been influenced by the government and community. They go against their opinion by taking the government to a point that is too far. Therefore the soldiers’ individualism is being taken away. Thoreau believes in the importance of one’s self and that the government takes the individuality away from people. Another thought he has is that, material items make one’s life have a lower quality and weakening their character. A person needs to build up their inner self; soul and mind. To build up their inner soul they need to; be solitary, reflect of their thoughts, and immerse themselves in nature. The government and society take away from a person from being who they are by influential actions. In Thoreau’s mind, he views life experience as the way to learn. Thoreau believes that