Longing and Simplicity

Thoreau's most commonly reiterated point is the value of leading a simple life. He has tremendous faith in the notion that an individual who leads a simplistic life will be the one to garner the most contentment. He claims that "There can be no very black melancholy to him who lives in the midst of Nature, and has his senses still." I love how Thoreau capitalizes "Nature," as if it is has a signature persona all its own with personified qualities of generosity and pacifism. He can proudly say, "I have never felt lonesome, or in the least oppressed by a sense of solitude."

I used to remember longing so badly for Thoreau's admirable sense of calm and collectivity. When I lived in New York, I tried my hardest to reach some semblance of peace from my loneliness but was never able to do so until the day I moved to California. In asking, "Can we not do without the society of our gossips a little while under these circumstances,--have our own thoughts to cheer us?" Thoreau critiques the commonness of everyone seeking pleasure and stimulation from external sources. The most valuable skill to acquire is the ability to be at peace with one's solitude, for in life, you really only have yourself. It's the most difficult ability to achieve but the most helpful because it will give you a sense of fulfillment in being able to produce a sense of belonging from directly within yourself.