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Theme Of Simplicity In Walden

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Theme Of Simplicity In Walden
The theme of the value of simplicity is present in the first chapter, “Economy” of Henry David Thoreau’s memoir Walden. In this chapter, Thoreau discusses how people desire to acquire opulent possessions because they feel to do so would improve their welfare. To refute this belief, he expresses attempting to obtain luxury would not be beneficial towards one’s betterment, but serve as an impediment. Instead of striving to possess what is sumptuous, Thoreau feels people should be content with having the four necessities nature provides humans with which are food, clothing, shelter and fuel (Thoreau 10). According to him, living a non-complex lifestyle is much better, for if one were to live in such a way, they would be able to have a lot more
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