Thoreau’s studying of classical literature or his attempt to find the truths is prevalent in chapter “Reading”, but his thoughts are especially well-presented in the first paragraph of the chapter. Thoreau begins his paragraph with personal thoughts saying if men were more deliberate in choosing their pursuits, they would all become “students” and observers,” because that it is in their “nature” and “destiny.” By choosing scientific words, such as “observers”, “students”, and “nature” to describe his personal thoughts, Thoreau risks charges of elitism. Science is a study of nature and it is based on observation and experiment, whereas philosophy and literature is a study based on personal thoughts and insights. This is contrast to what other most writers argue. Most other writers and philosophers argue that while it is possible to think we know the truth in a situation, it is impossible to be certain. Since we cannot be certain of the
Thoreau’s studying of classical literature or his attempt to find the truths is prevalent in chapter “Reading”, but his thoughts are especially well-presented in the first paragraph of the chapter. Thoreau begins his paragraph with personal thoughts saying if men were more deliberate in choosing their pursuits, they would all become “students” and observers,” because that it is in their “nature” and “destiny.” By choosing scientific words, such as “observers”, “students”, and “nature” to describe his personal thoughts, Thoreau risks charges of elitism. Science is a study of nature and it is based on observation and experiment, whereas philosophy and literature is a study based on personal thoughts and insights. This is contrast to what other most writers argue. Most other writers and philosophers argue that while it is possible to think we know the truth in a situation, it is impossible to be certain. Since we cannot be certain of the