Essays · Question
How does Essays develop the theme of Critique of Materialism and Business?
Answer
Essays by Henry David Thoreau develops Critique of Materialism and Business across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Thoreau sharply criticizes the relentless pursuit of wealth, business, and labor for mere profit, arguing that such activities degrade human life and distract from higher, more meaningful pursuits.
Thoreau's renunciation of pencil-making and his disdain for wealth and conventional employment highlight his critique of materialistic society.
He dismisses political and commercial concerns as paltry compared to the vitality of the natural world.
The essay contrasts the genuine, open hospitality of the tavern with the civilities of commerce and the privacy of the man of genius, celebrating a life free from modern fashionable diseases.
Evidence in the book
- Biographical Sketch
Thoreau's renunciation of pencil-making and his disdain for wealth and conventional employment highlight his critique of materialistic society.
- Natural History of Massachusetts
He dismisses political and commercial concerns as paltry compared to the vitality of the natural world.
- The Landlord
The essay contrasts the genuine, open hospitality of the tavern with the civilities of commerce and the privacy of the man of genius, celebrating a life free from modern fashionable diseases.
- Paradise (to Be) Regained
Thoreau criticizes Etzler's vision for aiming at gross comfort and pleasure, arguing it paints a Muhammadan's heaven rather than a truly elevated existence.
- Slavery in Massachusetts
Thoreau criticizes the North's focus on property and commerce while ignoring the moral crisis of slavery, calling it a worship of Mammon.
- Life Without Principle
Thoreau condemns the incessant focus on work, trade, and money-making as opposed to poetry, philosophy, and life itself.
- Chesuncook
He criticizes hunters and lumberers as hirelings motivated by profit, who lack love for nature and treat it coarsely.
- Walking
Thoreau criticizes politics, trade, and the village as trivial, and values the wild over commercial society.
