I used that famous quote of his*. Famous generally, famous from The Dead Poet's Society (it's a movie), from that famous book I just could not get through.
I read other important authors, contributors to what I consider the canon of great American environmental works: Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold, so much Edward Abbey that I don't think I have touched anything of his since I was 15...But Thoreau, could not actually get through that. It happens. The House of the Seven Gables had the same fate for me, maybe I have a block to reading about things set in New England that aren't about whales? In any case, no, no getting through that Pond book.
But then, I'm not alone.
This article (pond scum indeed), I did get through. And I very much appreciate it. It says so well so much I have difficulty articulating. Not about Thoreau specifically, but about privilege and living and choices. I am lucky as fuck to get out as much as I do (whether that is 5 or 25 nights). I am luckier because I have the choice, I have so much to get away from.
Also, I think it gets better a bit into it, give it a chance.
*See post: The Longest Shortest Time
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