Alyssa Prydz

Period 6
12/12/16
Learning Log #5
Thoreaus argument most definitely applies to our society today as if we just
follow his concepts, we may benefit from the profound message he is trying to convey to
his readers. For instance, the argument explains how we must live with simplicity and
not have this need for unnecessary objects in our lives, Thoreau states, The nation
itself, with all its so-called internal improvements, which, by the way are all external and
superficial, is just such an unwieldy and overgrown establishment... and the only cure
for it, as for them, is in a rigid economy, a stern and more than Spartan simplicity of life
and elevation of purpose. (Aufses, pg. 297). Thoreau is explaining how if we live with
simplicity, and not have all these unnecessary objects in our lives, we can find genuine
purpose in the meaning of life. His argument applies to todays society because we are
a society consumed by materialistic goods that are meaningless and non-essential. We
believe that these objects give us purpose, when in reality, if we just become detached
from these objects, we may find our lives true meaning, and in doing so become closer
as a society. If we try to genuinely understand Thoreaus argument about living a simple
life, we will certainly benefit from what he is saying as we will learn to leave the
meaningless, worldly objects and unimportant daily rigors in order to find the true and
profound beauty in the world. When freed from the worldly non-essentials, we are able
to find beauty through nature and true purpose, allowing us to understand the depth of
societys genuine gifts, including the appreciation of others in our lives. Thoreaus
image of an authentic society can profoundly get us to where we find purpose in life,
and if we just become detached to these unneeded objects in todays society, we will
most likely have a community filled with greatness.