“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.” – Henry
David Thoreau
Today is Thoreau’s birthdate. Born on this date in 1817, he remains one of
America’s great philosophers, naturalists and poets. Best known for his book Walden, he wrote not only on the world around us but also on the
importance of being aware of how we reflect that world through our words and
actions.
Thoreau's books, articles, essays,
journals, and poetry amount to more than 20 volumes. Among his lasting
contributions are writings on natural history and philosophy. Thoreau also holds the distinction of
influencing both writers and naturalists.
Among the dozens of leading writers who cite his work as having a major
impact on their own were Edward Abbey, Willa Cather, Sinclair Lewis and Ernest
Hemingway. Among the dozens of
naturalists who list his work as key to their own are John Burroughs, John
Muir, B.F. Skinner and David Brower.
An avid reader all his life, Thoreau
advised all to enjoy books as a key part of life. “Books,” he said, “are the treasured wealth
of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.”
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