Ethical Dilemmas In Walden, By Henry David Thoreau

The above mentioned dilemma’s central focus was on the decisions of the individual. However, the dilemmas to come revolve around the ethical dilemmas encountered by medical professionals and family members. Over time, the Alzheimer’s patients will lose the ability to rationalize and make decisions for themselves, also called, the “middle stage.” It is in this stage that it becomes necessary for the intervention of family members. Their loved ones will have to adapt to the ever-changing mindset of their relative and with that will come discovering the best ways in responding to loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s. Howe describes that eventually a form of lying will be essential when trying to complete any task for the person but can also infringe
He became an acclaimed American essayist and was well-known for his views on transcendentalism; he was a bright man to say the least. Unknown to most of the public, however, he too, was suffering from the raging grip of dementia. Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817. His father worked at a local pencil factory and his mother rented out homes to boarders. From a young age, Thoreau had a zeal for life and excelled in his studies. Through rigorous work and determination, he was accepted into Harvard University where he studied Greek, Latin, and German. In 1837 he graduated, and for one of the first times, he struggled to find a pathway that suited his interest. A well-educated man like himself was expected to take up a career in medicine or law, but not Thoreau. After college, he befriended Ralph Waldo Emerson, and because of that friendship was inspired to write some of his most well-known pieces. During this time, he was able to devote countless hours to studying his philosophical beliefs and broadening his knowledge. Even when the first signs of Alzheimer’s began to appear, he continued to expand his insights. In the later years of his life, his studies became less productive and eventually led to quitting his lectures at Universities all together due to his lack of mental focus. He became continually disoriented about his surroundings and lost the recognition of many significant figures in his life (Shenk 216). When interviewed by a fan and later asked for his autograph, the fan had to display a copy of Thoreau’s signature because he could not remember how to write it. Moments later, the incident had slipped his mind and Thoreau greeted the fan once more and offered his signature as a souvenir for his travels. Although he continued to give formal speeches, he was no longer present in mind, he was present solely in body. His story his rather ironic because