Chapter Summary: Walden By Henry David Thoreau

Instead of writing a boring chapter summary about Thoreau’s “Walden,” I decided to take a hike through Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville. Once I arrived at the site, I had no clue as to where the trail entrance was. I used my common sense and found the trail map. The map showed two different trails. One trail was marked as an “easy route” with wildlife observation areas and the other trail was marked with several spots of elevation. On this day, I chose to challenge myself by taking the more difficult trail. I started my hike on a high note with lots of energy and excitement. About a quarter of a mile into the trek, I realized I was not even on the trail. Disappointed and embarrassed, I returned to the trail map. Once I found the correct

While sitting on this bench, I looked up, out, and around. When looking up, I felt trapped. All I saw were trees, as if they were a cover keeping me in and sheltering me. I wanted to know what was beyond this, if anything. When I looked out and around, I felt as if there was so much to explore around me and the possibilities of places to wander were endless. When I looked up again, I felt insignificant and small, especially considering that my legs were dangling from this bench. I felt like I was the only human in existence. When I remembered that I was not the only one in this world, I felt even more insignificant. Then I realized that the things I worry about and problems I think I have, do not really matter. Furthermore, I realized that my life will not have meaning unless I give it meaning. I think Thoreau would applaud that thought. In his work, he greatly encourages living a meaningful

I think that was a very important feeling to me because something I struggle with is being alone. I am very independent in everything I do and do not mind doing things or trying things on my own. However, at the end of the day I want to know that I have people that I can surround myself with when I need to. But not feeling lonely was a feeling I have not felt I a long time. I think I felt that way because there was simply no one to run to in the woods, it was just me. While I was meditating, I started to appreciate the state of being alone and can now accept it with open arms. Therefore, I agree with Thoreau when he said, “I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time…I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude”