Walden and Civil Disobedience (Enriched Classics) [Mass Market Paperback] Henry David Mass Market Paperback – Special Edition, 1 July 2004

I am writing this review after only reading an extract (about four pages) from Walden, which I chanced to read many years back, in Readers’ Digest by the title-‘Simplify! Simplify!. Besides, this extract, I read some quotes from this wonderful being of Mother Nature. I do not think I will ever need to read Walden in full. Those four pages are sufficient for this birth. It is about the most beautiful phenomenon — LIFE itself.When I read those four pages, I did not know who the writer was. I came to know about it many years afterwards. I simply cannot describe the feeling when I read those four pages. It was a revelation. As if one was experiencing a cool breeze after a scorching, humid, itching, heat. A cool breeze that was soothing not only the body, but the soul as well. All of us know what a feeling it is when something goes deep inside the soul. It is something very beyond emotion. Indescribable.As I see from Walden, (for me), Thoreau is the highest level a human can aspire for.We call US a super power (we have animal belief about Might over Right).It is worth mentioning what Thoreau wrote about it He called America ‘a nation ruined by luxury and heedless expense’. This is what we see today. He also gave a ‘Covid cure’–‘ and the only cure for it (America) as for them (the households in America) is in a rigid economy, a more than Spartan like simplicity of life and elevation of purpose’. One fails to understand why we love weapons, war and destruction.I see many similarities between Thoreau and our beloved MK Gandhi. I would like to mention a few of them here.1. There is only one education, that of character.2. They were all soul, believed that body is maintained by soul. Ate bare minimum.3. Were free from desires, believed desires to be bonds.4. There is only ONE development-that of our soul. External development is superficial. Everything resides inside ourselves.5. Both were extreme lovers of Mother Nature. They drew inspiration from Mother Nature.6. They would never like to see anyone ‘following them’. In Thoreau’s words-‘let everyone endeavor to be what he was made for.’7. They both loved Solitude. I think they would both have lived in the woods for their entire life, had they not resolved to battle Might over Right by Civil Disobedience.8. They never sermonized. They demonstrated what they stood for.9. They spoke in everyday simple language.As regards riches and rich people, Thoreau used to say, ’That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.’ In our ‘new world’ we see richness in only money. We do not even see how it was earned. Such thinking is despicable.I would like to thank two reviewers for their comments which are as follows:(a)"Rather than love, money, faith, fame and fairness.. Give me truth(b) In the life-affirming, must-read-before-you-die category.In Walden, Thoreau has used the pronoun ‘I‘ very often. I see a very deep meaning in it. Only when we are truthful can we can say, ‘I am doing this, and this’. It is a clear sign of experimenting instead of playing with words, which most of us do. It is very easy to say ‘You’ because then the buck passes from myself, and I can easily say, ‘People should do like this and that’ .At times, tears come out of my eyes when I think of Walden and Thoreau. I thank Mother Nature for Thoreau and Walden.

SPEECHLESS!!!

Great book. Thoreau was indeed a Master. Gandhi's peaceful methods of agitation against the Mighty British Empire have their genesis in his books.

Amazing book quality.

U will find ur self in to other side once u complete reading

Classic

Walden is a masterpiece.."Rather than love, money, faith, fame and fairness.. Give me truth"

The cover has a nice photo, but that is where the good stuff ends. Some of the pages are so light they are unreadable, the print is tiny, the paper quality is really poor, and there was something stuck to the cover. It was to be a gift, but I'll have to order a different one now. What should I expect for five bucks. Go find a better print of Walden, even just out of respect for its long dead author.

Brought the cheapest edition and it's perfect.

The most ironic thing to me in 2022 is that the people who would read this and take it to heart would be those who see that we have need of large governments since we no longer can claim anything like the enlightened independence of Thoreau, thus needing to be made to behave. A real shame. Wonderful book! Read it.

lettura interessante, senza tempo, e offre un ottimo spunto di riflessione

"Walden and Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau is a profound and thought-provoking collection that offers timeless reflections on life, nature, and the role of the individual in society. The Collins Classics edition provides an accessible way to experience these important works, and I found it to be a thoroughly enriching read.Walden: In "Walden," Thoreau chronicles his experiment in simple living by Lake Walden in the woods of Massachusetts. His reflections on self-sufficiency, minimalism, and the natural world are as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. Thoreau's writing is poetic and deeply philosophical, challenging readers to reconsider their relationship with material possessions and the fast-paced modern world. His observations about nature and the benefits of solitude are particularly moving, inviting readers to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. This work is not just a memoir of Thoreau’s time in the woods but a guide to finding purpose and clarity in a cluttered world.Civil Disobedience: "Civil Disobedience" is Thoreau’s powerful essay on the moral duty of individuals to resist unjust government actions. Written in response to Thoreau’s own experience of being jailed for refusing to pay taxes that supported slavery, this essay has influenced countless social movements and remains a foundational text for anyone interested in justice and civil rights. Thoreau’s arguments are compelling, urging readers to prioritize their conscience over blind obedience to the law. His call for nonviolent resistance is a message that resonates strongly, encouraging each of us to stand up for what is right, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular.Edition Quality: The Collins Classics edition is well-presented, with clear, readable text and a concise introduction that provides helpful context for new readers. The compact size makes it easy to carry around, which is great for reading on the go. I appreciate that this edition includes both "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience" together, as these works complement each other and provide a fuller understanding of Thoreau’s philosophy.Relevance Today: What struck me most about these works is their enduring relevance. Thoreau’s insights into living deliberately, questioning societal norms, and standing up for justice are just as applicable in today’s world as they were over a century ago. Whether you’re interested in environmentalism, minimalism, or social justice, Thoreau’s writings offer valuable perspectives that can inspire and challenge you.Conclusion: Overall, "Walden and Civil Disobedience" is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, literature, or social justice. Thoreau’s eloquent prose and powerful ideas will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. This Collins Classics edition is a great way to experience these influential works, making it a valuable addition to any reader’s collection. Highly recommended for those looking to delve into the mind of one of America’s greatest thinkers.